Deplin® should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.

Deplin® is available as a medical food in 7.5 and 15, which is taken once daily. Deplin® can be taken with or without food. For best results, Deplin® should be taken at the same time every day. Always be sure to refill your prescription ahead of time to avoid missing a dose.

It is important not to change how Deplin® is taken or stop taking Deplin® without first talking to a doctor. There is no need to slowly reduce the dose of Deplin® to avoid side effects. Anyone thinking of stopping Deplin® should talk to their doctor first before they do so.

Safety

Deplin® (L-methylfolate) is a medical food used under medical supervision and is dispensed by prescription to provide dietary management for depression. It helps the brain manage important neurotransmitters linked to mood. It was well-tolerated in three medical studies (two were standard trials while the third was a review of real-world experiences with Deplin® and an antidepressant over 2 years.)1,3

In the long-term study the rate of side effects reported by patients who were given Deplin®, a medical food, with an antidepressant at the initiation of therapy were similar to the rate of side effects reported by patients who took an antidepressant alone. However, almost half as many patients on Deplin + an antidepressant stopped their therapy due to side effects.2

In the standard trials, there were no reported differences in discontinuation due to side effects between patients taking Deplin® (15mg L-methylfolate) and an antidepressant compared to those who received an antidepressant with a placebo (sugar pill). Deplin® was not linked to weight gain, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), or sexual dysfunction.3

L-methylfolate is the active form (the working part) of the vitamin, folate, that is naturally used by the brain. The L-methylfolate in Deplin® has been designated as G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe) under the conditions of its intended use. There have been no recorded incidences of overdose with L-methylfolate. Because L-methylfolate is a water soluble vitamin, the body will eliminate unneeded amounts in the urine.

Feeling Better

Living with clinical depression every day can be a challenge. A person may notice a difference after taking Deplin® for one to two weeks. However, most people experience the full benefits of Deplin® after 4 to 8 weeks.2,3 It is important to continue taking Deplin® for as long as your doctor feels it is necessary. Getting and keeping a response to antidepressant therapy could reduce the risk of continued depressive episodes.

Experiencing Benefits

You may begin to notice a difference after taking Deplin® for 1 to 2 weeks, but the full effect may take 4 to 8 weeks.2,3 Some individuals have higher nutritional requirements for L-methylfolate to regulate the neurotransmitters that are associated with depression. Deplin®, in addition to your antidepressant, may result in improvement in one or more of the following:*

* These benefits are representative of individual’s experience with Deplin® in Major Deppressive Disorder (MDD). Their experiences may not relate to everyone with MDD. You or those who you interact with the most may begin to notice a different after taking Deplin® for 1 to 2 weeks, but the full effect usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Your questions answered:

How should I take Deplin®?

You should take your Deplin® exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not stop taking Deplin® until your doctor advises you to do so. Most people should take one 7.5 or 15 Deplin® once daily, with or without food. 15 is the target dose for most patients but a 7.5 dose is available for dose flexibility.

Is Deplin® safe? Can it cause side effects?

The L-methylfolate found in Deplin® is Generally Recognized as a Safe (G.R.A.S.). L-methylfolate found in Deplin® is a form of folate that is naturally used in the body. In trials, the side effects reported for Deplin® were similar to the side effects reported with placebo (sugar pill). Deplin® has not been found to be associated with weight gain, insomnia or sexual dysfunction.2,3