Deplin (Levomefolate Calcium)

Deplin (L-methylfolate calcium) is a prescription medical food used to help manage depression and schizophrenia. It contains L-methylfolate, the active form of folate, which the body can readily use. In the brain, L-methylfolate helps make chemicals involved in mood, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Deplin is meant to be taken along with antidepressant or antipsychotic medicines. It comes in 7.5 mg and 15 mg capsules and is for adults and children 12 years and older.

Directions

Take Deplin by mouth, with or without food, at about the same time each day. The usual dose for adults is one 15 mg capsule once daily or one 7.5 mg capsule twice daily. Adolescents 12 years and older follow the same dosing under a provider’s direction. Keep taking any antidepressant or antipsychotic medicine as prescribed, and do not stop or change it without medical advice.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Deplin is L-methylfolate calcium (also called levomefolate calcium, supplied as Metafolin). The inactive ingredients may include microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and a vegetarian capsule shell made of hypromellose with black iron oxide ink.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

Deplin is a prescription medical food, not a stand-alone treatment for depression or schizophrenia. It is meant to be used alongside any other medications and treatments your healthcare provider has recommended for these conditions.

L-methylfolate calcium is not interchangeable with folic acid supplements. Folic acid may not work as well in some people because of low rates of folate transport across the blood-brain barrier or reduced activity of the MTHFR enzyme.

Talk to your healthcare provider before starting Deplin if you have a history of cancer. Folate may affect cell growth, and people with certain cancers (especially cancers that are sensitive to folate, like some leukemias) may need extra caution.

Folate can mask the blood test changes of vitamin B12 deficiency while still letting nerve damage from low B12 worsen. People with possible B12 deficiency should have it checked and corrected before relying on folate alone for symptoms.

Tell your provider if you take seizure medicines such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone. High doses of folate may lower blood levels of these medications and could make seizures harder to control.

Tell your provider if you take methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim, or other folate antagonists. Folate can interact with these medicines, especially when they are used for cancer or autoimmune conditions.

Combining Deplin with multivitamins or other folate-containing supplements can lead to excessive folate intake, so let your provider know about every supplement you use.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to L-methylfolate (levomefolate calcium), folate, or any of the other ingredients in Deplin.

Side Effects

Deplin is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects are uncommon and mild, and may include:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Bloating, gas, or changes in bowel habits
• Loss of appetite or bitter taste in the mouth
• Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams
• Mild irritability or restlessness
• Headache

Stop taking Deplin and get medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice worsening mood symptoms, new agitation, or thoughts of self-harm, as these may be related to underlying depression or other medications you take.

People taking seizure medicines should report any new or more frequent seizures, since folate can reduce the level of some antiepileptic drugs.

Any unusual or persistent side effects should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

References

• Deplin FC 7.5 and 15 mg Capsules Product Information. Shreveport, LA: Alfasigma USA, Inc.; 2025.
• L-Methylfolate. Dulcan’s Understanding Medications Used in Pediatric Mental Health. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.