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Deplin: Anyone taking it alone (no other anti-depressants)? Side effects?

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Posted 2/23/2009 6:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I'm new here. I know there've been other Deplin threads before but everyone else seems to take Deplin in conjunction with other meds, which complicates things when trying to isolate side effects. I'm terribly allergic to ALL regular antidepressants so my doctor prescribed this to me saying i I'm his first patient to take it and there's no reason why it wouldn't work by itself.

Well, it did and didn't. The first thing I noticed is that it gave me a boost of energy, which was almost a lifesaver for me because I have other conditions that caused me to be exhausted. Deplin made a huge difference, and I don't want to give it up because of that.

But it didn't do anything for my depression, which is caused by very serious life circumstances. Recently, however, my depression has worsened noticeably, to the point where I'm nearly non-functional. I kept blaming it on everything in my life or the blues, but I'm suddenly beginning to wonder .... What if Deplin itself is worsening my depression?!!

Thanks for any suggestions/responses.
Posted 2/23/2009 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Karak,

I do not take deplin, but wanted to welcome you to the forum. I am sure that other's will come on and give you their take on this.

Keep posting, we love new members.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/23/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)

Karak,

Welcome to HealingWell and the Depression Forum.

I have heard of a few others taking this med alone, however their comments were similar to yours.  Another draw back for many is the cost of this med.............it is very expensive and no generic equivalent.

Here is their web site.

http://www.deplin.com/

Take care and again a warm welcome to HW.

Kitt

Posted 2/23/2009 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt,

Thanks for the welcome and response. I checked the Deplin site, but of course they don't mention any negative reactions.

You mentioned you heard from others who had similar reactions or comments. Can you elaborate? Did they also experience a worsening of the depression? It's obviously a very serious issue for me, because I've had physical benefits from Deplin and I really don't want to stop it, but if it's causing unbearable depression I may have no choice. I need to know if it's me or the Deplin.

For all it's worth, my insurance is covering it (and it doesn't cover many other things, so go figure!)

Kara
Posted 2/23/2009 11:11 PM (GMT 0)

Kara,

The ones I have read said they liked the Deplin for the energy but found it did nothing for the depression alone.  They did not feel it caused their depression to worsen but the lack of  an AD was the culprit.  In othere words they did not feel it was effective as a treatment for depression by itself but more of any energy booster.

Hope this helps and remember, I am not a professional. smhair

Take care and I hope you get more input on this med. It is still so new.

Kitt

Posted 2/25/2009 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Kara,
I also have problems taking some meds. I never know what my reaction will be when I swallow a new pill. I even react to Vit. B12 and a B12 shot once threw me into a 10 month deep, deep depression. I take Prozac (I'm now down to the minimum per day). I can't take the generic form, fluoxitine. The Pharmacists shake their heads at me. Some have even said there isn't any difference, but body says there is.

Recently, my doctor sent me to the lab for extensive blood work. It showed that I have one copy of a mutated gene, the MTHFR Mutation, copy C677T. I'm mildly depressed, extremely tired most of the time, have arthritis and muscle soreness, and I tested highly allergic to 70 items with scratch tests last month. The doctor associated the MTHFR Mutation to many of my symptoms. I'm still learning about MTHFR, and may not be able to confidently express what I know about it. However, One thing I read stated (re the mutated gene), "This is associated with intermediate levels of enzyme activity. . . "

My doctor is giving me Methyl B12, which I can quite surprisingly assimilate. I'm not even getting the jitters. I'm also taking the Methyl form of folic acid (Methyl folate), and doing well with it. From reading on the Deplin site, Deplin is also a form of (or is, Methyl Folate). Even though, Deplin is by prescription, as I understand it, there are apparently other methyl folates out there which aren't in RX form. Perhaps they aren't as strong. ??? Methyl is the form of these B vitamins that helps your body accept them and put them directly to work. Deplin's site gives a good example of how this works.

To sum it up - The reason you may not be able to take antidepressants could be due to a MTHFR Mutation, which could cause you to be short of some B Vitamins which in turn can cause depression, anxiety, nervousness, etc. per my layman's understanding. Only a really good doctor can review your medical history, get some in-depth blood work done, and then determine your best treatment. The MTHFR Mutation is, I believe, a fairly new discovery. A medical doctor who keeps up with new discoveries, and is also open to more natural treatment, when appropriate, i.e., vitamins/minerals vs. prescription drugs, would serve you well. Your doctor sounds on the ball and willing to try new things. Maybe he will investigate the MTHFR Mutation, or he may already know about it

Hang in there. There are answers, and ways to get better. My doctor says he can pull me back to good health and I believe him. I'm headed that way. Hope you will be too.
Posted 2/25/2009 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
P.S. to Kara,

I did some checking for the side effects of Deplin. The best I found, was that they are minimal. One case was reported to FDA in 2007, where the woman was crying a lot, etc. Otherwise, I think it's a good sign if there hasn't been any more than that. With the one woman, her symptoms could have been brought on by something else, and would have to be studied further to know if it was Deplin that caused it.

Hope you find the magic solution. Good luck.
Posted 2/25/2009 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks very much Kitt and Wendy. It's useful to know.

Wendy, I don't know anything about this mutation, so I can't comment without researching it, which I will before I see my doctor. My other symptoms (unrelated to depression) are so complicated that I can't even start on this board. But I'm glad there are some new tests. I'm sure so many symptoms that doctors conveniently dismiss as depression or hypochondria or such will someday all be explained by genetic or other tests.

As best I understand, the difference between Deplin and other forms of methyl folate is that it crosses the blood brain barrier. My doctor said that it affects the balance of neurotransmitters so it should work just as well on its own as an antidepressant. But the proof seems to be in the pudding .... it does not.

I suppose I willingly took a risk of being a bit of a guinea pig when I agreed to try Deplin. But it's not like I had a choice. I react too violently to everything else. But if this doesn't work (at best), I'm at a loss :(((
Posted 4/24/2009 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have not had any side effects with Deplin, but I did find that my mood was better when my doctor raised my dose to two tablets a day. He told me to take it in the morning and evening because the body will get more of the active ingredient.

Because you got such a good response intitially from Deplin and you are also not taking an antidepressant, two Deplin a day may help you maintain the initial benefits you saw. Hope you find the best solution.

All the best!
Posted 4/24/2009 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Prozac,

Welcome to the forum! I hope you will feel comfortable to continue posting and share in this wonderfully supportive group. All the best to you.
Posted 4/24/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Prozac,

I too would like to welcome you to the forum. Thanks for your post. I am glad that the deplin works for you.

Keep posting, we would like to get to know you better.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/26/2009 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
prozac

Welcome to HealingWell and the Depression Forum.  Great advice and thank you. 

I will pop the new members introduction thread to the top for you and any other newbies we have around.

Thanks,

Kitt

Posted 7/9/2009 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
hello all,
this is my first time replying, I started deplin 7 days ago and I think I do feel better" dont want to get my hopes up", Im on budeprionxl 300mg,which seems to help with my food obession and maybe a little of my depression,after day3 I felt better"clearer, less foggy, I was hypomania for a day but that went away and today I feel hungry.will try another week on it and see.
Posted 7/12/2009 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
To Wendy Dora
I am wanting to find a doctor that can help, currently my dr doesn't know why deplin has made such a big difference in my life. Could you please give me your doctors name?
Thank you so much!
Posted 7/13/2009 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Miss Mermaid and Love Deplin .  I'm a bit late in saying this, but I'd like to welcome you to our group.  I hope that both of you will come back and post with us again, and if you want to start your own threads, please feel free.  This is a wonderful place for support.
Posted 3/22/2010 9:16 PM (GMT 0)

Karak312 -

You may be experiencing a situation similar to one I've experienced while taking Vyvanse ( a med for ADD).  My doctor and I considered that my depression may be resulting from frustrations due to my having problems with organization, inattentiveness and not being able to complete projects. 

 I began taking the vyvanse and was pleased with the boost it gave me and believed it may be the answer to my depression.  However, slowly my depression returned in the form of "Waves of depression" which was quite frustrating.  

WHAT I LEARNED is that I had to accept the fact that the vyvanse WAS NOT directly treating the depression, but within my mind I believed it was - so when the depression began to resurface I was quite frustrated by the UPS & DOWNS while taking vyvanse.    

This is why I believe it is imperative that anyone experiencing depression must as much as possible indentify the source other their depression and address it through a balance of THERAPY, BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AND MEDICINE.   I believe it to be a mistake to think that one method alone will have a lasting effect.   

So, don't be discouraged!  If the deplin helped, and your having trouble with anti-depressants- find a good therapist or a good support group to stay in tune with your source of depression and add some direct behavior changes as well(i.e. social groups, eating better, exercise, meditation etc.  GOOD LUCK!

Posted 3/2/2012 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Is Deplin the same as L-Methylfolate? If so, are dosages the same? Is one any better than the other. Thanks!---First post ever, anywhere. Might speak to one's fear & desperation.
Posted 3/2/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
According to the internet, Deplin is L-Methyfolate. So I imagine that the doses would be the same.

Welcome to the forum. If you would like, feel free to start a thread of your own. That is done by clicking on "New Topic'. Let us know a little bit about you. There are a great group of members here. Very kind and compassionate.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 7/6/2012 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
Deplin is L - methyfolate. BUT, it comes in 7.5 mg and 15 mg doses, milligram doses. The l-methylfolate from Solgar and most others is in microgram doses, (1/100) of the milligram (mg) dose. 800 micrograms is 1/100 of 8 milligrams. Big difference. I have used Deplin for 3 days and I see an big change in my view and energy level. My diagnosis is Bipolar II, panic disorder and all day long anxiety with some OCD on the side. Deplin seems to really work ! ! !
Posted 7/6/2012 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Optimus,

Welcome to the depression forum. I am very happy that Dephlin is helping you. That is fantastic. Do keep us posted as to how you are doing. Take care, stick around. This is a cool place...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 8/26/2012 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,
I'm new to this site, came across it just now in my search for more info on Deplin. I also just learned about Deplin today, and read that in their own trials, lower doses of it were no more effective than placebos. So anyone not benefitting might want to up their dose. As Optimus pointed out, over the counter versions of it are in way lower doses than what you get from Deplin.
Posted 8/26/2012 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hubby's Researcher,

Welcome to the forum. I am glad thta you found us. Thanks for the input on dephlin. It really helps others who are wondering about it. I myself have not tried dephlin. I take pristiq, xanax and abilify. Do you take meds? Or are you as your name says?

Keep posting. If you feel comfortable with it, feel free to start your own thread and tell us a little bit about what is going on with you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/23/2013 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
I'm new as well. But as it is Deplin I thought I'd jump in. I am on day 2 of the 15 mg. so will try to let you know how I am going with it. I'm taking it alone w/o antidepressents. However he gave me xanax as those have been my only life savers since I was was in high school. Ever since I was a kid I kept being diagnosed with this high I-Q which the Dr's have said has caused me to to have all the never ending problems. I was told IQ 168 and how can that be when Einstein was 160 or so?? I've been told 148 many times. But all that aside as I really believe none of it since my anxiety makes me the loser instead of the winner in most academic situations.I went to a psychatrist just to be told after a ton of tests that once again I can't be given any stimulents/antidepressents as I would go right out of my mind with anxiety. Well, after he retired my gynecologist looked at the records and has given me this Deplin. Needless to say, it has taken me over 3 months of terror to even try it. Yesterday I called a ton of pharmacies to get over and over confirmation that it would be okay. All said yes. So I took one. And guess what? Yep, I survived the night. No side effects. No nightmares. Sometimes I really have to wonder if a lot of times many of our minds, I know mine does, fear the new meds so much that we bring the anxiety on before the med is barely in our systems. Oh, IDK but I sure hope this one works.
My biggest problem is moving from San Diego, NYC and now down to the deepest part of Mississippi. I am not fitting in here at all and it has seriously gotten the best of me. I'm married but I don't have a single aquaintence here. It is the most awful life here. I won't go on as this is a Deplin thread. Thanks for reading my ramble. Lets keep each other up to date on how this Deplin does for us. :-) instead of smhair is our mission.

Post Edited (windbourne) : 2/23/2013 9:29:31 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/23/2013 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Windbourne,

Welcome to the depression forum. I have never taken dephlin. I have been on antidepressants for years now. I hope that it works for you.

How long have you been living in Mississippi? Do you do anythings that would help you to meet people in social situations? If so, how is that going? It takes time to make friends. Aquaintances not so long. But friends are often few and far between.

Take life one day at a time to curb the anxiety. I do take xanax, have for many years, but am hoping to eventually go off of it.

Feel free to start your own thread to introduce yourself if you would like, sometimes older threads do get overlooked. Hopefully somebody will have some input for you on the dephlin.

Best wishes,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/24/2013 9:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I take Deplin 15mg (psychiatrist said brand name only!) every morning. I just started about a week ago. I am on Seroquel 25mg at bedtime, Klonopin .5mg twice a day. AND...I just started Serzone today. I think the Deplin has helped with my anxiety a bit. I am also super sensitive to medications. I was before I had Lyme disease, but now it is 10x worse! I was on Zoloft for 5 months and it made me feel like S#*@!!! I could only get to 50mg, but every time I took it I wanted to rip my skin off I was so uncomfortable. And the dose increases were horrible, I started at 12.5mg and it took me 4 months to get to 50mg. So anyhow I completely detoxed off off it before starting the serzone. I am scared the serzone won't work. But in all fairness I have only tried the Zoloft for depression. And have to be careful because I have a tendency towards seizures bc of the Lyme, so Wellbutrin is out of the question. I am so incredibly depressed I don't know how much longer I can do this. But I say that everyday and somehow I am still making it through. I have incredible family support; problem is they are in Colorado and New Mexico and I am in Alaska. My poor husband is my incredible rock. We are on government contract so will be here for another year.

My psychiatrist also takes Deplin himself without any added psych meds because he claims it helps with cognition and "lubes" up the neurotransmitters to improve functioning. But other than him I know no one else on it.

Many prayers and blessings to everyone!!
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