My Psychotropic Gene Test Results: A Journey of Discovery

I just got my psychotropic gene test results in and I am amazed so I wanted to share aha. Since I was 11 I've been on many different meds for my anxiety. According to this gene test, I have never been given one that is optimal for my specific genes! It's been 13 years and we always picked ones in the moderate to severe gene interactions category. The one I took the most, that I was trying to tell my psych had intense side effects for me that he insisted was normal, that is one of the 3 drugs in severe interactions category with a warning on it for high side effects. I am so so happy that I have scientific proof now to say hey, this drug is not good for me, we're not putting me on your favorites, we're gonna put me on one of these ones in the green category. If you've had bad luck with meds like me I would highly suggest trying a gene test. It can be expensive but many insuraces cover it in full and if not you can get on a payment plan like I will.

Your answer

unicorn

1y ago

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!

Alpha30

1y ago

Hang on, what is a pyschotropic gene test 😮

Motley

1y ago

It's a cheek swab test that looks at your genes associated with psychiatric medication, and then it can tell you what medications are more and less likely to work for you or give you side effects. I did mine through GeneSight, they have testing locations all over the US and can either have your doctor give you the test or can send you an at-home kit.

Motley

1y ago

Best valentine's gift ever tbh

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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