My Psychotropic Gene Test Results: A Journey of Discovery

I’m glad you were able to get that figured out! I got the gene test before I started my medication, and it was insightful. There are still some limitations with gene testing, though. After I tried an antidepressant in the green category and it did nothing, I switched to a psychiatrist who explained that the gene tests can show how the drugs interact with your metabolism, so you’re able to know which ones may have worse side effects, but it doesn’t always show how they will interact with your brain or mean the ones in the green will be the most effective. I slowly weaned off that antidepressant and she had me start a mood stabilizer instead (it was also in the green, and I don’t have Bipolar Disorder, but it’s sometimes prescribed for regular depression as well), which has worked great with little to no side effects for me. Still, genetic testing can be an incredibly useful tool to avoid negative side effects, especially when you’ve had such bad luck, and it can certainly help in the process of finding effective treatment!

Best valentine's gift ever tbh