L-methylfolate

Generic name: L-methylfolate
Drug class: Vitamins

Usage of L-methylfolate

Folate is a form of B vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate that is added to processed foods or vitamin and mineral supplements. Folate is needed in the human body for production of red blood cells.

A lack (deficiency) of folate in the human body can be caused by certain diseases, by taking certain medications, or by not getting enough folate in your diet. Folate deficiency can lead to decreased red blood cells, or anemia. 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 is a medical food for use in people who have conditions related to folate deficiency. L-methylfolate is also used in people with major depressive disorder who have folate deficiency, or in people with schizophrenia who have hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

L-methylfolate is not an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication. However, l-methylfolate may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications.

L-methylfolate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

L-methylfolate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may occur, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking L-methylfolate

You should not use l-methylfolate if you are allergic to it.

To make sure l-methylfolate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

seizures or epilepsy;

a history of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia; or

a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

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How to use L-methylfolate

Usual Adult Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency:

7.5 to 15 mg orally once a day, with or without foodXaQuil XR(R): 30 mg orally once a day, with or without foodUse: Suboptimal L-methylfolate levels in patients with major depressive disorder, particularly those on antidepressants

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect L-methylfolate

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

Capecitabine;

fluoxetine (Prozac);

isotretinoin;

methotrexate;

methylprednisolone;

pancrelipase;

pyrimethamine;

triamterene;

trimethoprim;

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

birth control pills;

oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet, Metaglip, and others);

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or

seizure medicine--Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with l-methylfolate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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