L-methylfolate availability

[jeanettemuir]

There have been trials in America which suggest that L-Methylfolate tabs provide efficacy when combined with anti-depressants.
Is this drug available in the UK on prescription yet?
Or is it available at all in the UK?

[bobbin]

There have been trials in America which suggest that L-Methylfolate tabs provide efficacy when combined with anti-depressants.
Is this drug available in the UK on prescription yet?
Or is it available at all in the UK?

The brand used in the US is Deplin. It is not available in the UK.

There is some evidence that plain folic acid tablets may improve the response to SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine), especially in women. The dose used in trials was 500mcg per day.

The strength of folic acid tablets available from pharmacies in the UK is 400mcg (not 500mcg) but I imagine it would be sufficient in most cases.

[johnep]

Any ideas how this works?
johnep

[bobbin]

Any ideas how this works?
johnep

Apparently, folate (and other B vitamins) are needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Mild folate deficiency appears to be common in depressed patients. Correcting this deficiency may improve response to antidepressants by normalising neurotransmitter synthesis. 400mcg of folic acid would not be expected to cause any side effects so it's certainly worth considering. Even if it doesn't help, it's certainly an inexpensive and harmless intervention. The largest clinical trial of folic acid 'augmentation' used fluoxetine and showed a positive effect. I imagine that it might be useful in combination with other SSRIs too.

[johnep]

Ah1 The basis for the use of B group vitamins. Benerva B1 etc. I always thought it was because the symptom of B group deficiency (B1) was beri-beri.
Yeast Vite was a popular remedy at one time and combinations of Aspirin and B1 popular in central america.
johnep

[jeanettemuir]

Thank you for your replies.
By the way the dose of L-Methylfolate used in USA is 7.5mgs.
As you say it is known as Deplin in the USA .
Does anyone know if there are any trials here in the UK for this?
Thanks.

[johnep]

Until it becomes available, no harm in taking folic acid 400mcg available from every pharmacy. Interesting that folic acid thought to prevent spina bifida which is failure to close the spinal canal in the foetus.

Looks as if folic acid could be starting point for some research.
johnep