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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 13 to 37 of 50. Go back in thread:
Posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by stargazer2 on January 2, 2008, at 9:02:25
Stargazer, you didn't read my whole post before you started to clear things up.
I am not using Deplin alone. As I said, I am taking Lamictal. I have been for several years. It has always worked much better than anything before it, but at times things still got painful.
Deplin is not folic acid. Folic acid is folic acid. Deplin is what your body metabolizes folic acid into. You would have to take 53 1000 mg tablets of folic acid for your body even to be able to produce the equivalent one 7.5 mg pill of Deplin.
Deplin is an AD, an augmentation AD. It requires a prescription and it is specifically for depression. Vitamins are not FDA approved for depression.
Taking Deplin was a shot in the dark, as is every other medication ever posted about in this forum. Like every single medication here the efficacy of each varies greatly between individuals. If you get into the truly fine print of how any psychoactive medication works the final explanations are theory and the mechanism of action is always unknown. They say so clearly.
Nobody has ever determined I have any kind of nutritional deficiencies of any kind, folic acid or otherwise.
I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure. I have tried more than a dozen medications over nearly two decades. I know what depression is. I think I have some experience and valid insights into my own condition.
Good luck in achieving the continued response you are currently getting. Even if you dont mean that as backhanded, it sounds like it given the tone of most of your post.
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:28:55
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
Are you taking 7.5 mgs once a day? And you just woke up the next morning and you felt normal? That's amazing.
I've been on Marplan for a few months and I'm supposed to add Deplin and Lamictal to that. If I get even a little improvement I'll be happy.
Glad it's working so well for you. It's worth every cent then.
Brooke
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 22:30:21
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:28:55
Brooke just home very late now as long drive and she the pdoc prescirbed 7.5mg of Deplin called it a brain food not that familiar yet with it as a matter of fact I'm her first patient she's prescribed it for. Gave me one sample pill. Will take half tomorrow not sure if am or pm cause of my high anxiety. And pharmacy had to special order it. Said they are also using it for Alzheimers. So I am old I guess. But seriously it is a real med so going to bite the bullet pay for it. Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 22:42:49
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 22:30:21
Hope it works for both you and me!
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 22:42:49
Brooke hey your up too going to shower and bed now are you taking it am or pm? Love Phillipa babblemail anytime compare experiences.
Posted by henryo on January 11, 2008, at 0:45:39
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
I'm watching and listening. I hope good things happen. Keep posting. Thanks
Posted by brooke484 on January 11, 2008, at 11:26:37
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
I'm supposed to take in the morning, but I probably won't start it for about a week. I have a terrible stomach virus right now and I've been very dizzy and lightheaded, so I didn't want to start something new while I'm sick.
If I have anything positive to report I will.
Good luck with your trial.
brooke
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2008, at 18:16:28
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/phillipa, posted by brooke484 on January 11, 2008, at 11:26:37
Brooke took half the pill this am didn't have a single side effect. Also if you goggle Deplin there is a coupon for Deplin you can print off your computer. My insurance is not good so Greg did . I saved about one third and will be receiving a card in the mail for future refills for Deplin according to pharmacist. The med is so new they don't even have a side effect or monogram to attach to the script it says to go to Deplin.com. But I have it in hand. Love Phillipa The script that is.Bottle of 7.5mg pills for a month
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 15, 2008, at 2:57:25
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
> I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by deplinaire on June 11, 2008, at 7:51:20
In reply to Re: please be civil » henryo, posted by Dr. Bob on January 15, 2008, at 2:57:25
> > I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
>
> Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
>
> But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
>
> I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforce
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobBob,
On behalf of HenryO I have to say I felt that misinformation was somewhat uncivil to him. I have been taking Deplin and it is as HenryO clarified not Folic Acid but the desired end product. I have found Deplin to be worth every red cent and I have left Lamictal, Equatro (oh gosh that was bad) and have been for quite some time on the low dosage of Ambilify. To tell the truth I wonder if the Deplin alone doesn't give me the placid mind in and of itself.
I was grateful for HenryO assertiveness because others could greatly benefit from Deplin and I don't think his credibility deserved "correction" when he was in fact the one correct while the other person was ignorant, presumptious, and in fact misleading the thread.
Thank you all for great insight.
Posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 15:42:13
In reply to Re: please be fair, posted by deplinaire on June 11, 2008, at 7:51:20
My adult daughter was given a prescription for Deplin yesterday and took the first dose today. How long does it take to have an effect? She has been through so many meds and is on quite a cocktail now - we are so hopeful that there will be a quick turnaround for her. Any input into how long she has to wait to feel better would be encouraging. Thanks,
psmith
> > > I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
> >
> > Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
> >
> > But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
> >
> > I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforce
> >
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
> Bob,
>
> On behalf of HenryO I have to say I felt that misinformation was somewhat uncivil to him. I have been taking Deplin and it is as HenryO clarified not Folic Acid but the desired end product. I have found Deplin to be worth every red cent and I have left Lamictal, Equatro (oh gosh that was bad) and have been for quite some time on the low dosage of Ambilify. To tell the truth I wonder if the Deplin alone doesn't give me the placid mind in and of itself.
>
> I was grateful for HenryO assertiveness because others could greatly benefit from Deplin and I don't think his credibility deserved "correction" when he was in fact the one correct while the other person was ignorant, presumptious, and in fact misleading the thread.
>
> Thank you all for great insight.
>
>
Posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 16:12:09
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
I am desperate for some hope - how long does it take to feel the effects of Deplin? My daughter has been through the ringer for about two years. She was diagnosed bipolar at 6 and is now 26. the past two years have been awful - she graduated from college in 2006. College was good for her but now she is so bad that we have had to consider permanent disability - she has been hospitalized, lost more jobs than I can name, isolated herself from friends so long she has none now and my heart is breaking. She is a bright, creative woman whose life could be completely different if she could get past this current depression and its complications. Deplin may be our last hope - but we would like to know how long we havd to wait to see if it will help. Thanks for any input.
psmith
Posted by Phillipa on June 12, 2008, at 20:50:51
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 16:12:09
According to other posts can have a positive blip around three days and then leave. Think it's about the same as ad's at least four weeks. So sorry about your Daughter. Heartbreaking for you. Love Phillipa ps google Deplin lots of threads.
Posted by Deputy 10derHeart on June 13, 2008, at 2:28:48
In reply to Re: please be fair, posted by deplinaire on June 11, 2008, at 7:51:20
>> the other person was ignorant, presumptious, and in fact misleading the thread.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. There are civility rules at Psycho-Babble, and the most basic is that
posters may not engage in name-calling or negatively characterizing other posters or their posts. It's okay to talk about how *you* personally feel, but not to describe *their* words or actions negatively. Just to clarify, that is why Dr. Bob asked henryo to be civil, not to correct him or to comment in any way about the deplin discussion.Further, as Dr. Bob reminded henryo, if you'd like us to review a post for civility, please use the "Notify Administrators" button that follows it, instead of pointing out your problem with it publicly. Thanks, and I hope that helps explain the guidelines here.
If you have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or you are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
-- 10derHeart, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by Cobra on July 10, 2008, at 18:20:23
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
I am currently writing an article on Deplin and l-methylfolate for a clinician journal. I'd just like to share some information that I've put together during my research for the article and hope to help some understanding of how it helps and who should be taking L-methylfolate.
My research is on the MTHFR gene and specifically how polymorphism of this gene leads to a myriad of health complications.
The quick and dirty run down is that about 50% of US caucasians have a polymorohphism (bad copy) of this gene leading to the production of an misformed enzyme. If you want more background google MTHFR and you'll find plenty of info. This enzyme converts folate from one confirmation to another which is then used in a proccess to turn the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine.
What does this mean for your brain? Well, essentially you need folate to be in the right form and if you are one of the unlucky 50% then your ability to do so is reduced. There are various forms of the polymorphism that result in varying reductions in enzyme activity.
The MTHFR polymorphisms have been linked in studies to the incidence of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The problem for these patients is that a simple increase in dietary or supplemental folate cannot increase "bioavailability" of methylfolate in the brain because only l-methylfolate can cross the blood-brain barrier.
In fact, people with a MTHFR polymorhism who take folic acid supplements decrease the ability for l-methylfolate to make it into the brain because regular folic acid fits into the receptors but does not pass through.
Depressed patients with low red blood cell folate are 6x more liekly not to respond to anti-depressant therapy and less likely to achieve remission. However, for the 50% of people who have the polymorphism the only way increase "bioavailable" folate is to take l-methylfolate.
Deplin, Metanx, and Cerafolin NAC are the three existing options in the US.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2008, at 20:40:41
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by Cobra on July 10, 2008, at 18:20:23
Thanks for the info a question since my family doesn't have a history of early cardiovascular disease or miscarriage does that mean I don't need the Deplin or do? Thanks Phillipa but have never had a remission of anxiety they say is depression.
Posted by ihatedrugs on July 10, 2008, at 23:07:37
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
I have been taking it for a couple weeks and have definitely noticed a difference. More energy sometimes a little anxiety but could be because I'm tapering off Cymbalta.
So far I think it's worth the expense.
Posted by Cobra on July 11, 2008, at 11:31:04
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » Cobra, posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2008, at 20:40:41
No history of CVD or miscarriage does not mean you for sure don't have a MTHFR polymorphism. Depending on the specific polymorphism your parents may each be heterozygous (a milder polymorphism resulting in only slightly decreased enzyme function) and could each have given you the "bad" copy making you homozygous for the polymorphism and therefore more susceptible to the myriad of complications.
The only way to know for sure is to have a genetic test done. Many times the cheek scrape test is covered by insurance, and also can include other genes.
My personal feeling is that since 50% of people are going to have a version of the polymorphism and since the consequences are devastating in terms of both physical and mental health that taking some sort of l-methylfolate supplement is just a safe bet. Your body will use it, even if you live a 100% healthy lifestyle and do not have the polymorphism. But that is just my personal opinion and I am not a doctor.
Deplin is only FDA approved for enhancing the efficacy of anti-depressants and managing plasma folate, but in terms of those patients with MTHFR polymorphism it can do much more.
Hopefully in the near future genetic screening will become a part of all primary care physicians' routine patient care. The cost continues to drop, and for a huge percentage of the population it would mean a vast improvement in the quality of care.
So it's really up to you for the Deplin- it is extremely likely that it will help you. And from all the studies I've read there is really no drawback other than the cost of the supplement.
I think a good and cost effective option is to take Metanx as it also contains B vitamins. Also, I think everyone should take NAC, which is readily available at health food stores. Pamlabs makes cerefolin NAC which is the methylfolate, b vitamins and NAC, but I believe it is considerable more expensive than getting metanx and NAC separately.
If you have any more questions, or I wasn't clear about something just let me know.
Posted by Phillipa on July 11, 2008, at 19:31:57
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by Cobra on July 11, 2008, at 11:31:04
Cobra thanks for answering my questions. I had started taking Deplin no side effects as the website says they are like a sugar pill in terms of side effects. Day three felt a bit better but then feeling went away and I stopped the Deplin. I think I have Two weeks of it left So morning or night? And will an out of wack hasimotos thyroiditis make any difference in the mechanisms of the Med? Thanks again Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on July 13, 2008, at 1:02:24
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by Cobra on July 11, 2008, at 11:31:04
> No history of CVD or miscarriage does not mean you for sure don't have a MTHFR polymorphism. Depending on the specific polymorphism your parents may each be heterozygous (a milder polymorphism resulting in only slightly decreased enzyme function) and could each have given you the "bad" copy making you homozygous for the polymorphism and therefore more susceptible to the myriad of complications.
>
> The only way to know for sure is to have a genetic test done. Many times the cheek scrape test is covered by insurance, and also can include other genes.
>
> My personal feeling is that since 50% of people are going to have a version of the polymorphism and since the consequences are devastating in terms of both physical and mental health that taking some sort of l-methylfolate supplement is just a safe bet. Your body will use it, even if you live a 100% healthy lifestyle and do not have the polymorphism. But that is just my personalIt isn't used widely in tests since a number of people, unknown, will have some, version of the polymorphism, however not much to affect any human function.
> Deplin is only FDA approved for enhancing the efficacy of anti-depressants and managing plasma folate, but in terms of those patients with MTHFR polymorphism it can do much more.
>
> Hopefully in the near future genetic screening will become a part of all primary care physicians' routine patient care. The cost continues to drop, and for a huge percentage of the population it would mean a vast improvement in the quality of care.
>
> So it's really up to you for the Deplin- it is extremely likely that it will help you. And from all the studies I've read there is really no drawback other than the cost of the supplement.
Unfortunately it is fairly likely that it -wont- help someone. But you could be one of the lucky crowd that it does. Its more of a winning a lottery than actually being a large number. But for those who do benefit, it apparently definitely does.
And there are drawbacks, anxiety related -- now, I don't know if I tried it for several months whether it would be of help, but it exacerbated my anxiety, and in my case my anxiety, being somatoform, is expressed in bodily manners.
My blood pressure would skyrocket in pangs especially when I was getting to get out the door and behind the wheel of my car. This was only after two weeks, and two weeks without it, it went away. I had to use propranolol at various points as I was running a good 150-160/90.
Posted by Phillipa on July 13, 2008, at 20:00:23
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » Cobra, posted by yxibow on July 13, 2008, at 1:02:24
Jay I took it for two weeks and no anxiety at all. But then we are all wired differently. One day three had a burst of energy not anxiety. Just felt good for once. Love Phillipa
Posted by LynneDa on July 14, 2008, at 9:27:13
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by Cobra on July 10, 2008, at 18:20:23
I took Deplin for a short time, too short to tell if it helped I guess. But, my p=doc just gave me a scrip for Cerefolin. What do you think/know about that? He said it's very new.
Thanks!
~ LynneI am currently writing an article on Deplin and l-methylfolate for a clinician journal. I'd just like to share some information that I've put together during my research for the article and hope to help some understanding of how it helps and who should be taking L-methylfolate.
>
> My research is on the MTHFR gene and specifically how polymorphism of this gene leads to a myriad of health complications.
>
> The quick and dirty run down is that about 50% of US caucasians have a polymorohphism (bad copy) of this gene leading to the production of an misformed enzyme. If you want more background google MTHFR and you'll find plenty of info. This enzyme converts folate from one confirmation to another which is then used in a proccess to turn the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine.
>
> What does this mean for your brain? Well, essentially you need folate to be in the right form and if you are one of the unlucky 50% then your ability to do so is reduced. There are various forms of the polymorphism that result in varying reductions in enzyme activity.
>
> The MTHFR polymorphisms have been linked in studies to the incidence of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The problem for these patients is that a simple increase in dietary or supplemental folate cannot increase "bioavailability" of methylfolate in the brain because only l-methylfolate can cross the blood-brain barrier.
>
> In fact, people with a MTHFR polymorhism who take folic acid supplements decrease the ability for l-methylfolate to make it into the brain because regular folic acid fits into the receptors but does not pass through.
>
> Depressed patients with low red blood cell folate are 6x more liekly not to respond to anti-depressant therapy and less likely to achieve remission. However, for the 50% of people who have the polymorphism the only way increase "bioavailable" folate is to take l-methylfolate.
>
> Deplin, Metanx, and Cerafolin NAC are the three existing options in the US.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
Posted by Phillipa on July 14, 2008, at 19:24:29
In reply to Re: Cerefolin . . . . DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by LynneDa on July 14, 2008, at 9:27:13
Same here took Deplin two weeks. My pdoc also gave me one pill of this med here is the official website. Pdocs remarks to me were it couldn't harm someone. Phillipa
Cerefolin®NAC Product Information : Pamlab L.L.C.
Posted by Cecilia on July 16, 2008, at 5:50:11
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by Cobra on July 11, 2008, at 11:31:04
> No history of CVD or miscarriage does not mean you for sure don't have a MTHFR polymorphism. Depending on the specific polymorphism your parents may each be heterozygous (a milder polymorphism resulting in only slightly decreased enzyme function) and could each have given you the "bad" copy making you homozygous for the polymorphism and therefore more susceptible to the myriad of complications.
>
> The only way to know for sure is to have a genetic test done. Many times the cheek scrape test is covered by insurance, and also can include other genes.
>
> My personal feeling is that since 50% of people are going to have a version of the polymorphism and since the consequences are devastating in terms of both physical and mental health that taking some sort of l-methylfolate supplement is just a safe bet. Your body will use it, even if you live a 100% healthy lifestyle and do not have the polymorphism. But that is just my personal opinion and I am not a doctor.
>
> Deplin is only FDA approved for enhancing the efficacy of anti-depressants and managing plasma folate, but in terms of those patients with MTHFR polymorphism it can do much more.
>
> Hopefully in the near future genetic screening will become a part of all primary care physicians' routine patient care. The cost continues to drop, and for a huge percentage of the population it would mean a vast improvement in the quality of care.
>
> So it's really up to you for the Deplin- it is extremely likely that it will help you. And from all the studies I've read there is really no drawback other than the cost of the supplement.
>
> I think a good and cost effective option is to take Metanx as it also contains B vitamins. Also, I think everyone should take NAC, which is readily available at health food stores. Pamlabs makes cerefolin NAC which is the methylfolate, b vitamins and NAC, but I believe it is considerable more expensive than getting metanx and NAC separately.
>
> If you have any more questions, or I wasn't clear about something just let me know.What is the difference betewen Deplin, Metanx and Cerefolin? I know Deplin is approved for depression, and when I looked up Metanx it talked about use for peripheral neuropathy, which I also have. Are they similar enough that either would have a chance of working for both? Cecilia
Posted by Phillipa on July 16, 2008, at 20:04:14
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » Cobra, posted by Cecilia on July 16, 2008, at 5:50:11
Good question. I think I googled it also. Phillipa
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