Query B12 and Folic acid amounts to take.

[Irishonly]

To cut a long story short. I am 58 and I have been suffering from depression and am on sertraline. But, my head is sorted with a combination of tablets and a big improvement on life. However, I am so tired. I can sleep for 10+ hours and still feel tired. Very low energy levels. Bloods taken and ferritin was low so I was prescribed tablets for a month, and B12 showed 370. Having done lots of research, I have continually asked if I could trial B12 injections but met a brick wall. The last conversation I had with the doctor, I said I didn't know whether I was tired because I was depressed, or depressed because I was tired. So he upped my prescription to 150mg Sertraline. After looking on here, I have ordered the B12 from Germany which I am about to start injecting. (What have I got to lose?) On further reading I see that I should also take B9 folate tablets. So, apart from any comments/advice anyone may have, please could someone advise what loading dose I should use for the B12, and what daily B9 mcg you would advise.

[Irishonly]

Just to add, I have some vitiligo on my arms, and irritable bowel syndrome for which I take daily doses of immodium.

[Irishonly]

Yes I have, and 3 doctors from the practice have refused to consider it, and the only private test that I have found costs £150 which I refuse to pay. My thoughts are it is cheaper and non harmful to try the B12 because it will either help or it won't.

[wedgewood]

Yes you cannot do any harm with B12 - you can’t overdose . The NHS give 6 loading shots over 2 weeks ( in Gloucestershire only 5) They should give them till symptoms stop improving if you have neurological symptoms . Then they give you one every 3 months , or 2 if you have the neurological symptoms. Every 3 months was inadequate for me , so after experimentation I have settled on once a week . You have to find what is best for you by trial and error . Best to take your folate (B9) in the form of vegs ( green leafy ones or peas ). If you can’t manage that , take the B9 as folic acid in a tablet . B9 is much much easier to absorb than B12 , so a tablet is fine . I have seen the B12 ampoules for sale on the German online pharmacies, that offer them with folic acid . But I would rather get my B9 separately . I wish you all the very best .

[ButterflyActive]

I think as far as I have been researching b12/PA that you must get your first b12 shot at a GP surgery or a walk in clinic that does b12 shots incase you get a allergic reaction. God forbid you would get one while on your own if you went ahead?

[Irishonly]

Two shots so far, had a bit of trouble with the ampoules until I googled it, so now sorted.