Sometimes you may be taking treatment for depression . But even after taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor, you may not feel that much better. Perhaps the reason for this is the deficiency of the nutrient folate in your body. At such a time, your doctor may prescribe you this medicine called Levomefolate as an aid to your main treatment. Let's talk about this simply today.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Levomefolate is a B vitamin . It is an active form of folic acid . It helps in the proper functioning of neurotransmitters in our body, especially in the brain.
Some people with depression have low levels of folate in their bodies. When this happens, other antidepressants can be less effective. So this medicine works by filling that gap and helping your main antidepressant work better.
The important thing is that this is not a cure for depression on its own. It is just additional help for someone who is already receiving treatment for depression.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Low vitamin B12 levels | Folate can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is important for an accurate diagnosis. |
| Low red blood cell count (anemia) | This information is needed to determine the exact cause of the anemia. |
| Other mental health conditions | This will help the doctor determine your complete treatment plan. |
| Allergies | Tell us if you have any allergies to levomefolate, folic acid, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is important to know whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk and to seek advice about it. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- This is an oral pill .
- Try to take it at the same time every day , exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take it with or without food. However, if you have an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal .
- Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
If you give this medicine to children
This medicine may require special care if given to children, so talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you take may interact with levomefolate. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies .
| Types of medications/substances that may interact |
|---|
| Birth Control Pills |
| Capecitabine (an anticancer drug) |
| Chloramphenicol (an antibiotic) |
| Cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering drug) |
| Isotretinoin (an acne medication) |
| Medications for seizures |
| Metformin (a medicine for diabetes) |
| Methotrexate (a medicine used for cancer and arthritis) |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs), for example ibuprofen or naproxen |
| Pentamidine |
| Pyrimethamine |
This list is not complete. Also tell your doctor if you smoke , drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While using the medicine, attend regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your progress. If your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Generally, serious side effects from this medicine are rare. However, if you experience the symptoms below, it could be an allergic reaction. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.
| If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Characteristic | Description |
| Skin rash, itching | The skin becomes red, looks like a rash, and is unbearably itchy. |
| Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat | This could be a sign of a severe allergy. It could also cause difficulty breathing. |
If you experience any symptoms that are not mentioned on this list but that you think are unusual, talk to your doctor about them.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed .
- Do not use expired medicine .
How do you dispose of unused medicine?
It is important to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Ask your doctor for advice. Sometimes you can throw them out with the trash. If so, you can take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with used coffee grounds, some soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them in the trash. However, ask your doctor for advice before doing any of these things.
Take-Home Message
- Levomefolate is a type of B vitamin. It is a supplement given as an adjunct to main medications for depression, not a cure for depression on its own.
- Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all other medicines you are taking.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at your next scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash , itching, or swelling of the face or throat, see a doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice. Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
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