Genetic Testing for Psych Meds

[Bright Day Mom]

Has anyone heard of or had genetic testing done for psych meds?

We had this testing done last week on our DD17 and found the results very interesting.

We're hoping to shed some light on best meds to stop the trial / error madness.

Hope you all have a Bright Day!

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[lulumom]

I would be interested in hearing more about this.  What type of genetic testing did you do?  Our son was tested for the MTHFR gene mutation as one integrative doctor said it contributes to mood disorders and depression if they have it (which he does).  Does the testing give you an indication of which meds would work best?

[Yepanotherone]

I would certainly be interested to learn how this goes for your daughter Bright day, I have a contact number of a lady who is involved with a company who does this genetic testing for psych meds , would you believe she's the friend of the mother of my DD's nightmare ex boyfriend  ! His mum gave me her number a while back when she was enquiring after my DD who was in hospital at time. I did some reading about it but didn't take it further . My DD has been advised to try lithium by 3 different doctors now but she absolutely refuses to take any meds at all now   she won't even take a benadryl to help her sleep or headache tablets !

[ReclaimingMyLife]

Interesting thread!  How/where did you get this done?  Was it expensive?  I would love to learn more about a source for such testing and the effectiveness of having done so.  Are they able to indicate which medications might work the best for her?

I had heard of a saliva test that could tell which ADD needs would work the best, but the test is no longer available unfortunately (or at least the last time I looked).  World love to know more.

Thanks!
RML

[Bright Day Mom]

The information on the testing can be found at genesight.com   It has been our experience that not all psy dr prescribe but desperate times call for desp measures.  Now that our D is back in PHP this Dr. has had some very good outcomes and since her depression / situation has declined mentioned it to us.  We jumped at the opportunity.

The testing has mixed reviews in the medical community, but as our current dr. says he uses it as an additional tool to select the next possible medication.

Many insurance companies cover, our doesn't, so we are expecting a $330 bill.  In our opinion a small price to pay if it can shed some light. 

We received the results earlier this week and from the history of meds can see where the report does show some accuracy.  I.e. when they upped her Prozac and that led to another hospitalization. The report shows this med would be most effective and LOW doses!  The test also tested her ability to properly metabolize Folic Acid.  Who knew this is needed to transport the meds to the correct part of the brain?   I didn't!   However, she does fine with Folic.

Dr. upped her current AD due to needing HIGHER dose.  It's only been a few days, so we'll see.   Report also predicted another anti-anxiety med that we haven't tried as being preferred to her genes.  So may be  a future change?

I do not want to give anybody false hope, this is just another thing we are trying and wanted to reach out to see if anybody else has any experience / input.

Bright Day Mom

[7babies]

Very interesting.

[ReclaimingMyLife]

Thanks BDM!  I don't think you are giving false hope.  Seems like psych needs are just a stab in the trial-and-error-dark so why not find out what MIGHT work better. 

Thank you, too, for the info regarding folic acid.  I didn't know that, but my daughter has reported feeling the best she has felt in a long time.  And that she now can feel sad at times instead of depressed.  She's been on Prozac for almost a year which has been better than Zoloft but interesting that she is now feeling the boost.  But you know what?  I've recently put her on a multi-vitamin that has FOLIC ACID!  I wonder if that explains the the boost she's all of the sudden feeling!  I am SO grateful you mentioned that.  Thank you.

Also, when you say your daughter did better on a low dose of Prozac, how low is that?  My.daughter started on 10mg, bumped up to 30 where she experienced a lot of apathy and lack of motivation, and is now on 20mg.  Maybe that + Folic Acid.is.the sweet(er) spot?

Thanks!
RML

[Bright Day Mom]

RML I hope you found your D's combo so she can live a happy, peaceful life.  That is what I hope for all of our children!

The Prozac was a long time ago, I think the dos was orig. 5 then bumped to maybe 15. All I do know is it sent her over the top and back to the hospital.  Fast forward nearly 3 years and DNA test indicates it would be best low dosages.  I don't think this is a coincidence, wish I had this info then... .but we have it now and that is what I need to focus on, the future.

Hope you and your family are well

[femom]

My daughter had this done a few years ago by saliva test and we have found the results very helpful.

[ReclaimingMyLife]

BDM,

Ok, interesting to know on the dosages of prozac for your daughter... .even if it was a long time ago. I am wondering if my daughter should drop down to 10.  Thanks for sharing the numbers. 

I contacted genesight.com and found out my daughter's practitioner works with genesight.  I will definitely be asking about getting her tested.

Thanks too, femom, for sharing your good experience with the saliva test. 

Gratefully,
RML