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Post by shevy on Apr 10, 2018 18:10:11 GMT
I know people struggle with taking meds. They, like me, struggle with finding one that works to combat their symptoms of mental health.
Gene Sight
The next time you go in for a medication check up, ask for this. It's a mouth swab test. They test to find out what meds work in the pathways of your body, which meds don't work, whether a high or lower dose is needed, if you metabolize faster....all kinds of things to do with mental health meds.
And if you ask, they will also do the same test to find out which pain meds work best in your system also.
There is also another test specifically for ADHD meds.
The test is expensive. However, the company is working on compiling a base of results to do research on. So they will subsidize your cost. If your insurance pays nothing, you pay based on your income. The most you would pay is $300 (for most people).
I am on my 6th med in 3 years. But I found out that I metabolize most of them really quickly so I need long acting ones. I also have a genetic issue where by body doesn't produce or store folic acid. And folic acid plays a part in how many mental health meds travel through the pathways. So I'm very thankful for this test and hopeful. I have some friends who've already completed it and have had great results. The county I work for is having each person who is civilly committed for mental health complete the test so they can get the best care right away also.
Last thing: you can ask them to destroy your sample so it's not used for testing. You own your sample, not the company. |
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Post by peano on Apr 10, 2018 18:31:12 GMT
Wow! Really interesting. The wave of the future in medicine.
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~Susan~
Pearl Clutcher
You need to check your boobs, mine tried to kill me!!!
Posts: 3,258
Jul 6, 2014 17:25:32 GMT
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Post by ~Susan~ on Apr 10, 2018 18:33:09 GMT
That sounds so cool! I will be asking about this. TFS
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Post by Zee on Apr 10, 2018 18:38:07 GMT
I knew about this concept but wasn't sure about cost. Thanks for answering that.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,175
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Apr 10, 2018 19:46:26 GMT
I have never heard of this but I think it is amazing. That test will help so many people in the future. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by paperaddict on Apr 10, 2018 21:00:54 GMT
I am sorry but I'm a bit "cautious" about genetic testing to aid in determining best medications for any health issue. I have a research background and currently, a registered nurse, who work in mental health. I've always been interested in the biological aspects of mental illness. To the best of my knowledge, there is no strong research findings that support a simple DNA testing would provide you with essential information to chose the "right" medications for your mental illness. Mental illnesses and many diseases are "caused" by multiple interactions between many different genes. Also your metabolism and how your body responds to medications involve multifactorial genes and proteins. Unfortunately, our body is very complex. An example is that someone can develop an allergic response to Tylenol later in life. My sister took Tylenol for pain throughout her teens and twenties, but five years ago she had a severe reaction to it and can no longer take Tylenol. Also, especially, with psychotropic medications, your body can build a tolerance to them or the medication no longer is effective at all. I wish getting the right medication and dosage would be as easy as a simple DNA test.
But, I am still interested in the idea of it. Would you be kind to add a link to the information about the test? Thank-you so much.
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Post by shevy on Apr 10, 2018 21:34:54 GMT
I am sorry but I'm a bit "cautious" about genetic testing to aid in determining best medications for any health issue. I have a research background and currently, a registered nurse, who work in mental health. I've always been interested in the biological aspects of mental illness. To the best of my knowledge, there is no strong research findings that support a simple DNA testing would provide you with essential information to chose the "right" medications for your mental illness. Mental illnesses and many diseases are "caused" by multiple interactions between many different genes. Also your metabolism and how your body responds to medications involve multifactorial genes and proteins. Unfortunately, our body is very complex. An example is that someone can develop an allergic response to Tylenol later in life. My sister took Tylenol for pain throughout her teens and twenties, but five years ago she had a severe reaction to it and can no longer take Tylenol. Also, especially, with psychotropic medications, your body can build a tolerance to them or the medication no longer is effective at all. I wish getting the right medication and dosage would be as easy as a simple DNA test. But, I am still interested in the idea of it. Would you be kind to add a link to the information about the test? Thank-you so much. There is a link to the website in the original post. Sample Result And there are references cited in the pages on the site.
The test provides a few different medications that are "best". Of those, it will tell you why they would work, or any limitations they would have and why.
I realize that there is more to it than what I described in the initial post. I do know that Folic Acid is important:
Folic acid must be in its active form so your body can use it. In its active form—L-methylfolate—folic acid is important in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. The tests tried to tell you how your genes affect the meds you use. If we can use genetic testing to apply medication/treatment to cancer and other medical issues, why wouldn't we be able to apply it here? Genetic treatment of medical issues is the future of treatment.
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Post by dewryce on Apr 10, 2018 23:30:34 GMT
Thank you for sharing that, I can try it for both my crazy meds and pain meds!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Apr 11, 2018 0:15:52 GMT
There is a weight loss clinic advertising in this area that they test saliva and hair for proper meds to help lose weight, with full medical supervision. Bio testing/meds are talked about for all kinds of things. They are using them for specific people with cancers, so it will go farther.
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Post by slkone on Apr 11, 2018 0:30:53 GMT
I had this for more general medications years ago and it wasn't too helpful for me because it tested for popular drugs for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes and I need more specialized medicine.
My son did the one specific to mental health meds and it was fascinating. One of the things you can test is to see if you have a genetic need for a specific folate (l-methylfolate) when you're on a mood stabilizer such as Lamictal. One of the things they found about my son is that the way he slowly metabolizes SSRIs makes him susceptible to more side effects (jitters, anxiety) at lower doses. This is something that I always knew about myself even though the doctors said it shouldn't be that way, so it was pretty cool to be validated and also see the probable genetic component.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691 
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Apr 11, 2018 0:35:53 GMT
I read about a woman on a Facebook post recently whose son was saved due to testing from suicide when they got him on the correct antidepressants after 6 failures.
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quiltedbrain
Full Member
Posts: 429
Jun 26, 2014 3:34:53 GMT
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Post by quiltedbrain on Apr 11, 2018 0:38:29 GMT
Someone close to me had this exact genetic test done recently. They are glad they did it. There is still some trial and error to find the right fit, but at least the chances are better of finding something that works more quickly.
They had been on Lexapro for depression and anxiety which had been somewhat effective but after some upsetting life circumstances, it was no longer helping. Upping the dosage didn't help and adding Buspar didn't help either, so that's when they chose to have the genetic test done, so that a effective med could be found. The test showed that they were a high metabolizer of Lexapro, giving an explanation of why it wasn't working. Their doc was able to use the results to identify meds that they would metabolize more effectively. Wellbutrin was indicated to be the best fit, but after 6 weeks of giving it time to level out in their system, they were to the point of not being able to function on a daily basis. Their doctor then switched them to the next on the list, Prozac, which was like flipping a switch--they are doing so much better with it.
My friend wasn't told about the cost or the subsidy and has been in sticker shock since seeing the insurance EOB ($4500). Insurance paid a portion of that, but indicated that there was a substantial insured portion to be paid. They've been dreading when the bill would arrive and kinda shocked that it hasn't yet (it's been a few months). I can't wait to tell them about the subsidy...thank you so much for sharing that!!!
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me2
Full Member
Posts: 145
Oct 3, 2016 3:32:09 GMT
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Post by me2 on Apr 11, 2018 0:56:18 GMT
That LITERALLY can save lives ! Paxil, Celexa and Cymbalta almost did me in. I had an active plan to go to a gun range and kill myself. It would've been great to avoid some of that. I'm on Wellbutrin and although it doesn't seem to help much at least it's not making me more suicidal.
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