L-methylfolate for treatment resistant depression

February 26, 2019 1:46 PM

Has anyone had success with adding L-methylfolate (Deplin) to their antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression?

I am a 40 year old woman who has lived with depression most of my adult life. I am currently on a combo of meds (Wellbutrin and Abilify) that helped at first but stopped somewhere along the way. Today my doctor prescribed Deplin (L-methylfolate). I am skeptical as it is essentially a vitamin. I'd love to hear from anyone who has benefitted from taking it. How long did it take to work? Have the effects lasted long term? Thanks!

posted by courtarms to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Was just talking with my dr last week about a recent study of teens who had attempted suicide having been treated with methylfolate supplementation, with excellent results. One of the interesting components of the study was that there was a discrepancy between the blood levels of folate vs the levels found in the spinal fluid. So while the blood levels read as in the normal range, the spinal levels were alarmingly low. I'll try to get the cite, but meanwhile, yes, this is a path that is being more commonly explored.

You can also read some of my past comments re MTHFR; a common component of which is depression. Supplementation has helped me tremendously.

Ime I saw changes within a couple of weeks, however I will also say that when i started supplementing I was not on the medications you mentioned. Also, for my particular condition, if I stop supplementing I see negative effects within a couple of weeks. So while I'm not taking any prescription meds, I do need to remain on the supplements. I take OTC supplements fwiw.
posted by vignettist at 2:24 PM on February 26, 2019

I take Deplin and an MAOI, I think the Deplin helps for sure. Methylfolate helps with the synthesis of Serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
posted by Grumpy old geek at 2:33 PM on February 26, 2019

Lithium is “just” a mineral, but very beneficial to certain folks with other mental heath disorders. I wouldnt necessarily be wary of “just a vitamin” especially because in those case there are some very common genetic factors the limit the synthesis of methyfolate into the body. It’s a surprisingly common genetic defect, and depending on the exact configuration of the defect, supplements can be quite helpful getting the body what it needs.

I carry the genes for defective methylfolate production, but supplements didn’t necessarily work for me long term. They have for several friends though! It’s very much worth trying.
posted by furnace.heart at 3:25 PM on February 26, 2019 [1 favorite]

I don’t know about this particular supplement, but be wary of anyone that tells you that you need to buy an expensive supplement because you have a MTHFR mutation.
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:24 AM on February 27, 2019

But I by no means am saying to be wary of Deplin, which is a legitimate prescription treatment for depression. Just to be wary of misleading alternative-medicine MTHFR genetic testing scare tactics, since other posters bring that subject up.
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:32 AM on February 27, 2019

I took Deplin for a while and discontinued it when I moved back to Canada, as it’s not a thing in Canada. I didn’t notice a difference. It wasn’t doing anything for me.
posted by crazycanuck at 10:58 PM on February 27, 2019