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Folic Acid & Prozac

Aug 20, 2011 | By Shannon George
Folic Acid & Prozac
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Folic acid, or folate, is an essential B vitamin provided by foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits and fortified bread. Folic acid is also available in dietary supplements. According to MedlinePlus, folic acid is a possibly effective treatment for depression when taken with antidepressants. In particular, some research suggests folic acid may help relieve depression when administered in conjunction with fluoxetine, a.k.a. Prozac. However, talk to your doctor before taking folic acid supplements.

Research

Scientists have studied the action of folic acid in depression treatment, as this vitamin is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters related to mood. A study published in "American Journal of Psychiatry" in 1997 determined that subjects with depression were significantly less likely to show improvement with fluoxetine treatment if they had low folate levels. Another study, published in "Journal of Affective Disorders" in 2000, found that depressed women treated with folic acid and fluoxetine reported a more significant decrease in depression symptoms after 10 weeks compared to a fluoxetine and placebo group. The same benefit of the concomitant therapy was not observed in men, however; researchers speculated that men may require a higher dose of folic acid to augment fluoxetine therapy.

Recommendations

While there appears to be a possible connection between folate levels and effectiveness of Prozac for depression, there is not enough evidence to determine specific recommendations regarding combined use of folic acid and Prozac. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid if you take Prozac for depression, as the vitamin may enhance Prozac's effectiveness. Another supplement to consider for depression, with your doctor's approval, is L-methylfolate. L-methylfolate is a form of folic acid that may help depression if you lack the enzymes to metabolize folic acid from food or from standard folic acid supplements. Make sure, however, that you consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements with Prozac -- especially St. John's wort or tryptophan.

Warning

Although clinical studies on the effects of folic acid and fluoxetine for depression have used high folic acid doses of up to 500 mcg per day, MedlinePlus cautions against taking more than 400 mcg of folic acid per day unless otherwise directed by your health-care professional. High doses of folic acid can cause sleep disorders, seizures, diarrhea, rash, upset stomach, confusion, behavior changes and other side effects. There is also some concern, according to MedlinePlus, that taking high doses of folic acid for long periods may increase risk of heart disease and certain cancers, including lung and prostate cancer.

Other Options for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Besides taking a folate supplement, there are other options you may wish you discuss with your doctor if your prescribed antidepressant isn't providing sufficient depression relief. Some of these include switching medications, augmenting your current antidepressant with another medication, or increasing your medication dosage. Non-medication options for treatment-resistant depression include psychotherapy, vagus nerve stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy. Another supplement to consider taking with Prozac is fish oil. According to MedlinePlus, some, but not all, research indicates fish oil may help treat depression symptoms when taken in conjunction with an antidepressant.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Aug 20, 2011

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