L-methylfolate Uses, Side Effects & Warnings (2024)

Generic name: l-methylfolate [L-METH-il-FOE-late]
Brand names: Denovo, Deplin, Elfolate, L-Methylfolate Forte, XaQuil XR, ... show all 9 brands
Dosage forms: oral capsule (15 mg; 7.5 mg), oral tablet (15 mg; 7.5 mg), oral tablet, extended release (30 mg)
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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 hyperhom*ocysteinemia (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 hyperhom*ocysteinemia 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.

L-methylfolate side effects (more detail)

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.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How should I take l-methylfolate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take l-methylfolate in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use only the strength of l-methylfolate that your doctor has prescribed. Do not switch brands without your doctor's advice.

You may take l-methylfolate with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

L-methylfolate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other medications, and psychological counseling when used in people with depression or schizophrenia. Follow your medication and counseling routines very closely.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

L-methylfolate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency:

7.5 to 15 mg orally once a day, with or without food

XaQuil XR(R): 30 mg orally once a day, with or without food

Use: Suboptimal L-methylfolate levels in patients with major depressive disorder, particularly those on antidepressants

Detailed L-methylfolate dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of l-methylfolate is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking l-methylfolate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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.

L-methylfolate drug interactions (more detail)

More about l-methylfolate

  • Check interactions
  • Compare alternatives
  • Reviews (163)
  • Drug images
  • Side effects
  • Dosage information
  • During pregnancy
  • Drug class: vitamins
  • En español

Patient resources

  • Methylfolate patient information
  • L-Methylfolate with B Vitamins

Other brands

Deplin, L-Methylfolate Forte, Elfolate, L-Methylfolate Formula, ... +2 more

Related treatment guides

  • Hyperhom*ocysteinemia
  • Folate Deficiency
  • Depression
  • Borderline Personality Disorder

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.

L-methylfolate Uses, Side Effects & Warnings (2024)

FAQs

Who should not take 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.

Can methylfolate cause side effects? ›

Side effects of L-methylfolate include: Altered sleep patterns. Difficulty concentrating. Irritability.

What does L-methylfolate do for your body? ›

L-methylfolate is a form of folate, or vitamin B9, that can help regulate serotonin and dopamine levels. Because these chemicals affect mood, some people believe taking l-methylfolate may help with depression.

Does L-methylfolate interact with anything? ›

There are 25 drugs known to interact with L-Methylfolate Formula (l-methylfolate), along with 1 disease interaction. Of the total drug interactions, 3 are major, 21 are moderate, and 1 is minor.

What does L-methylfolate do to the brain? ›

Methylfolate crosses the blood brain barrier and is a cofactor required for the complete synthesis of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Supplementation with L-methylfolate in addition to SSRIs or SNRIs shows symptom reduction in MDD, and may be an effective monotherapy in MDD.

Does methylfolate cause weight gain? ›

Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of L-methylfolate. However, individual responses to supplements can vary, and factors like diet, lifestyle, and overall health can influence weight changes.

Can methylfolate raise blood pressure? ›

L‐methylfolate is a natural food folate with no upper limit safety concerns, unlike folic acid, with the dual benefit of lowering blood pressure.

Can you take methylfolate everyday? ›

How to use L-Methylfolate. Take this product by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, follow all directions on the product package.

When should I stop taking methylfolate? ›

There are also concerns that long-term use might increase certain cancers and cardiovascular disease, but the data are not robust. Nevertheless, as a prudent measure, I recommend that you consider stopping methylfolate after about one year.

How do I know if I need L-methylfolate? ›

Deficiency of folate may be asymptomatic or present with the symptoms of anemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Additional signs are weakness, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, and behavioral disorders.

Should I take methylfolate in the morning or at night? ›

Dr. Rawlins also suggests taking the dose of methylfolate in the morning and at lunchtime, as the nutrient can be somewhat energizing. Some people who take methylfolate later in the day may find it difficult to sleep at night.

What is the difference between methylfolate and L-methylfolate? ›

“L” vs “6(S)” When looking for methylfolate, you want the “L” or “6(S)” form — these are most biologically active. The “D” or “R” forms of methylfolate are not as good because they are less bioavailable. Thus, it's important to look closely at the form of methylfolate on your supplement label.

Can you take methylfolate and vitamin d together? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between l-methylfolate and Vitamin D3.

Should I take B12 with L-methylfolate? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between l-methylfolate and Vitamin B12.

Can L-methylfolate increase anxiety? ›

There are many different doses of L-methylfolate but I recommend starting at 5mg x3 weeks, then 10mg x3 weeks, then 15mg there on. I start low because, for some, L-methylfolate can lead to some anxiety. If the anxiety persists for more than 1 week, I would stop the supplement.

Who is not recommended to take folate supplements? ›

Who may not be able to take folic acid
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any other medicine.
  • have low vitamin B12 levels (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia) or pernicious anaemia.
  • have cancer (unless you also have folate deficiency anaemia)
  • are having a type of kidney dialysis called haemodialysis.

Can you take methylfolate with vitamin d? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between l-methylfolate and Vitamin D3.

Does L-methylfolate cause high blood pressure? ›

L‐methylfolate is a natural food folate with no upper limit safety concerns, unlike folic acid, with the dual benefit of lowering blood pressure.

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