What is L-methylfolate?
Folate, a B vitamin found in many foods, is naturally occurring. Folic acid is a man-made folate added to vitamin and mineral supplements or processed foods. Folate is required by the body to produce red blood cells.Folate deficiency can be caused by certain illnesses, certain medications, or not eating enough folate. Folate deficiency may cause anaemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells. Folate deficiency can also cause high levels of a certain amino acid in the blood, a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HYE-per-HOE-moe-sis-tin-EE-mee-a).L-methylfolate can be used as a medical food to treat folate deficiency. L-methylfolate can also be used by people who suffer from major depression and folate deficiency or schizophrenia with hyperhomocysteinemia due to folate deficiencies.L-methylfolate does not have antidepressant, antipsychotic, or anti-psychotic properties. L-methylfolate can enhance the effects of antidepressant medication.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for L-methylfolate.
Side effects of L-methylfolate
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.Some side effects may be milder or even non-existent.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to l-methylfolate, do not use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that l-methylfolate will be safe for you:
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- A history of deficiency in vitamin b12 or pernicious anaemia
- A history of bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Tell your doctor if pregnant or nursing. You may need a different dose during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to take L-methylfolate?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of l-methylfolate. Take l-methylfolate only at the recommended dose. Do not exceed this amount or take it for a longer time.Do not change brands without consulting your doctor. Switch brands only with your doctor's approval.Take l-methylfolate either with or without food. You should follow your doctor's advice.No longer chew or crush the extended-release tablets. Take it as a whole.This medication should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.L-methylfolate may be part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes other medications and psychological counselling for people with depressive disorder or izophrenia. Keep track of your medication and counselling schedules.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at a cool temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for folic acid deficiency:
Orally, 7.5–15 mg once or twice a day with or without meals
XaQuil (R), 30 mg, once daily with or without meals
Use: Low L-methylfolate in patients with major depression disorder, especially those taking antidepressants
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
A l-methylfolate overdose is unlikely to cause any life-threatening symptoms.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Capecitabine;
- Fluoxetine (prozac);
- Isotretinoin;
- Methotrexate;
- Methylprednisolone;
- Pancrelipase;
- Pyrimethamine;
- Triamterene;
- Trimethoprim;
- Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven);
- Birth-control pills
- Metformin is an oral diabetes medication (glucophage, avandamet, metaglip, and others).
- Aspirin, naproxen, celecoxib (including diclofenac), indomethacin (including meloxicam), and other nsaids
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and valproic acid.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with l-methylfolate. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
