FOLNEX-7.5/15(L-Methylfolate Softgels)
DESCRIPTION
FOLNEX is an active form of folate or folic acid (one of the body’s essential B Vitamins) which spurs the production of neurotransmitters and is indicated for the distinct nutritional requirements of individuals who have suboptimal levels of L-Methylfolate in the plasma or red blood cells and have major depressive disorder. This medication has attracted attention due to its benign side effect profile and unique neurobiology. Folnex is specially formulated to be used with your current antidepressant for meeting the nutritional needs of patients with depression.
DOSAGE
L-Methylfolate in the 7.5mg or 15mg strength marketed as FOLNEX is approved by the FDA for the distinct nutrional requirements of individuals who have suboptimal L-Methylfolate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, plasma or red blood cells and have Major Depressive Disorder with particular emphasis as adjunctive support for individuals who are on antidepressant. The approved dosage is 7.5mg or 15mg once a day to twice a day to a maximum of 45mg per day. Take L-Methylfolate by mouth with or without food. If you miss a dose of L-Methylfolate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
L-Methylfolate is the primary biologically active form of folic acid used at the cellular level for DNA reproduction, the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine. It is also the form found in circulation and transported across membranes into tissues and across the blood-brain barrier. It has ability to penetrate into the blood-brain barrier where it has an effect on altering mood. The active folate in FOLNEX helps boost the body’s ability to produce neurotransmitters, which are the natural chemicals in the brain. FOLNEX addresses nutritional imbalances to naturally improve mood so you can get the most out of your antidepressant therapy.
INDICATIONS
FOLNEX is indicated for patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder and is administered as an add on therapy along with the existing antidepressant prescribed to such patients. L-Methylfolate particularly emphasis as adjunctive support for patients taking antidepressant medications.
MODE OF ACTION
When you have depression, you may have specific nutritional imbalances that cause your body to need more active folate. As a result, you may not see the benefits you need from your antidepressant therapy. Not having enough folate may put you at a higher risk for your depression to come back, even after it has gone away. Non-prescription folate is not the same as the active folate found in FOLNEX. Unlike FOLNEX, non-prescription folic acid needs to be broken down (or activated) by the body before it can be used. Unfortunately, up to 70% of depressed patients have a compromised ability to complete this activation. FOLNEX provides you with already-activated folate, so that your body does not have to go through all the steps needed to benefit from it. This ensures that you get the most out of your folate, without the worry that your body may not be able to activate it.
Remember that depression can require long term care. Your doctor will track your progress with you to determine the right length of therapy. FOLNEX also starts working really fast and it keeps working for the long term. It you are already on an antidepressant, it may take 1-2 weeks for FOLNEX to start working. For best results, be sure to take FOLNEX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking FOLNEX without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS
In clinical trials, the side effects of FOLNEX are about the same as those of a placebo (a pill or liquid with no active medicine, such as a sugar pill). As a medical food, FOLNEX is generally recognized as safe and doesn’t appear to have any side effects being a natural source of nutrition. The worst case scenario would be a mild allergic reaction which has rarely been reported. It has no association with weight gain, insomnia or sexual dysfunction.
AVAILABILITY
Folnex is available in strips of ten high grade soft gelatin capsules containing
L-Methylfolate 7.5/15mg.
