L-methylfolate and Depression: What Users Say

• GBi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

L-methylfolate for Folate Deficiency "I recently had a Dr’s visit with my Dr, who is treating me for ADD, anxiety, and depression. I told him about my daughter (19 years old) recently being diagnosed with MTHFR gene mutation. She has one from each parent. She has severe anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, depression, and was recently suicidal. Her psychiatrist ordered lab work and explained to us what MTHFR is and prescribed Deplin, antidepressant, vitamin B-12 500 mcg, and Vitamin D3 5,000 mg soft gels. She has completely changed! She feels much better. No more anxiety... no more panic attacks... no more depression... and she is smiling again!! My Dr prescribed Deplin for me too, but unfortunately my insurance company does not cover it (my ex-husband’s insurance covers it for our daughter), and I can’t afford it out-of-pocket. I’m still working on finding a way to get it, as I’m sure it will help me also. So blessed to have good doctors out there. I have so much respect for all their knowledge."

• Zar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

L-methylfolate for Depression "I had the swab genetic test done. I lack the MTHFR gene that creates the enzyme that breaks down folic acid to folate. Without folate, depression is very likely. My doctor prescribed Deplin, as it would take 60 bottles of over-the-counter folate to equate to the convenient orange capsule. The first three weeks, my depression and anxiety got worse. My doctor wasn't helpful, but I kept taking it. I’m around week 5, and I am able to see my compulsive eating as not good for me, as I am morbidly obese. I don't feel overly happy, but more in control in a chaotic world and able to focus more. I'll chat with my doctor about getting off Lamictal once I've had a couple of months on Deplin. I am far less paranoid and explosive, but I have routine scary dreams being out of control. I can't put my finger on it, but I think I am better off with Deplin and apprehensive to go off it. This is not the placebo effect talking. I think I can lose weight and get off the bipolar meds. I pay $160 for a three-month supply."

• See...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2017

L-methylfolate for Depression "MUST take Deplin and not a generic and definitely not over-the-counter folic acid or folate! These can make things worse! My C spinal fluid showed that I have a less prominent type of folate abnormality. Wasn't detected in a gene swab test. Anyway, just started taking 15 mg as an antidepressant add-on. Made my depression & anxiety worse!!! I would stop taking it, but my doc has me taking a lower dose as she recognizes that Deplin can cause a worsening of symptoms in certain folks. It just needs to be started low and gradually increased. So, please start with a low dose if it makes you MORE anxious/depressed at 15 mg. Too early to say it helps, but the lower dose is needed to start, for some. And it may take many months to work--for some!"

• c2g...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2024

L-methylfolate for Folate Deficiency "Deplin has changed my life. If I had the choice of winning the lottery with unlimited funds or this medication, I would choose Deplin every time. I am 49, female, with ADHD. I suffer debilitating symptoms from it, the worst being poor memory and impaired executive function and focus. After taking 15 mg for just 3 weeks, I saw results. My memory went from that of an 80-year-old dementia patient to the memory I had as a young adult. I'm able to focus and actually get stuff accomplished and checked off my list every day. I was lifted right out of the sinking depression I was in due to the helplessness of living with a short-term memory problem. This pill needs to have a public service announcement made to everyone. So many people could be helped."

• Bri...
• September 2, 2021

L-methylfolate for Depression "I was having major anxiety and insomnia stemming from shoulder surgery. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. I eventually found a psychiatrist, and he prescribed Klonopin. That made me more depressed. I decided I needed a better psychiatrist. After meeting with this doctor, he decided to do the genetic testing. Three days later, I found I have MTHFR. Compound heterozygous. I've been on Deplin 15 mg for over a year. I also take 10 mg Lexapro per day. Anxiety is better, and I’m not nearly as angry. Changed my life for the better. Better late than never. I’m 54."

• Fru...
• December 6, 2019

For Depression "tl;dr: 5-MTHF, methyl folate calcium salt, whatever it's called by the manufacturer, some forms work better for some people than others. My depression responded poorly to nearly every antidepressant on the market for 10+ years. Turns out I'm homozygous for the MTHFR mutation. Started taking 1 mg L-methylfolate pills by Superior Source, increasing every few days to hit the recommended 15 mg/day for depression. Had an immediate improvement in energy, and my other meds, like Allegra, started working better. I also tried OptiFolate 7.5 mg, MD Life 5 mg, and NOW 5 mg. My depression symptoms and skin picking came back on each of those. My psychiatrist finally wrote me a prescription, and now I'm on 15 mg pills made by Breckenridge. They work as well for me as OptiFolate: not very well at all. YMMV (your mileage may vary), I've seen reviews on Amazon where people responded much better to OptiFolate than Superior Source. Do your research, and try different makers if one doesn't work for you. I'm waiting for a new prescription."

• Anonymous
• October 10, 2009

L-methylfolate for Depression "I am heartened by the 6 reviews. I have just started on Deplin. I have been on Remeron for two years. I cannot tolerate serotonin-type medicines such as Prozac and Lexapro. Remeron worked beautifully at first, but the effects have slowly worn off, and my anxiety and mild depression returned. I pray Deplin will work for me and I can regain my enthusiasm and joy in life. I am happy for those of you who have been helped. Wish me luck."