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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by firemonkey on December 11, 2012, at 3:36:22
Medscape Medical News > Psychiatry
Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major DepressionAdjunctive L-methylfolate is safe, effective, and "relatively well tolerated" for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are resistant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alone, new research suggests.
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 75 adults with MDD showed that the participants who received 15 mg/day of L-methylfolate in addition to continued SSRI treatment showed significantly higher response rates and depression symptom score changes than those who received placebo plus continued SSRI therapy.
Dr. George Papakostas. Source: Massachusetts General HospitalIn this trial, "15 mg/day of adjunctive L-methylfolate appeared to result in a treatment outcome (efficacy) superior to continued SSRI therapy plus placebo in both primary outcome measures," George Papakostas, MD, from the Center for Treatment-Resistant Depression at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and from Harvard Medical School, told Medscape Medical News.
The researchers note that this is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine these outcomes in this particular patient population. Although the results were positive, replication is needed, they add.
Initially presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry in 2011 and reported by Medscape Medical News at that time, the study is published in the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2012, at 9:57:48
In reply to Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres, posted by firemonkey on December 11, 2012, at 3:36:22
I don't have an account is it Deplin? Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on December 11, 2012, at 19:55:26
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » firemonkey, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2012, at 9:57:48
Yes, its deplin
I have to say, their figure that 50% of people with depression cant utialise floic acid sounds a bit of a stretch to me, why dont they have symptoms of folate deficiency such as anemia?
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2012, at 23:34:05
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres, posted by jono_in_adelaide on December 11, 2012, at 19:55:26
I listened to a CD that my retired pdoc had been given by Deplin on this and it seems that some don't produce an enzyme so if have the enzyme what take it? Phillipa
Posted by MrAnderson on December 12, 2012, at 14:25:42
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2012, at 23:34:05
I take Lamictal and I've read that it depletes folate and either Deplin or something similar is recommended. Other antidepressants might do the same, I'm not sure.
Can you get tested for the enzyme? Might be worth a try anyway.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 21:16:37
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres, posted by MrAnderson on December 12, 2012, at 14:25:42
You can get tested for the enzyme, but it is expensive, so my pdoc often just treats people with Deplin w/o any testing.
He put me on it because I was trying to keep my meds down for pregnancy and folate is important for pregnancy anyway. I have been pleased with it and it gives me peace of mind that I'm getting lots of folate.
The downside is that insurance won't cover it and so it is $40 per month. However, he gets so many samples I haven't had to pay yet in the 5 months I have been taking it.
Best,
EE
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 21:19:59
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres, posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 21:16:37
You can find out about the gene mutation at mthfr.net.
Best,
EE
Posted by Phillipa on December 12, 2012, at 21:35:04
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres, posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 21:19:59
EE you will announce when you get your wish? Phillpa
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 23:00:11
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » Emily Elizabeth, posted by Phillipa on December 12, 2012, at 21:35:04
I guess it is time to let the cat out of the bag...I'm due In early June. :)
Feeling pretty good mood wise. Just taking 100mg Lamictal and the Deplin.
best,
EE
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2012, at 8:51:19
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » Phillipa, posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 23:00:11
EE well a big congratulations to you and Hubby. I know how long you have wanted a little one!!!! With much love Phillipa
Posted by herpills on December 16, 2012, at 22:29:30
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » Phillipa, posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2012, at 23:00:11
Can I ask what dose of Deplin are you taking? I also take 150mg Lamictal. I felt a difference with methylfolate 7.5mg but in the future I might try 15mg dose. But taking 15 costs twice as much and you are lucky to get so many samples! herpills
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 17, 2012, at 9:32:19
In reply to Re: Medical Food Aids in the Treatment of Major Depres » Emily Elizabeth, posted by herpills on December 16, 2012, at 22:29:30
The samples he gives me are the 15mg. I haven't tried the lower dose. Someone on the office staff said something about the Deplin people having a reduced price for a three month supply (although idk if that is a one-time thing or something you could keep doing). Unfortunately, idk anything else about that reduced price. Perhaps your pdoc would.
Best,
EE
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