Experience with genetic testing to find the best anti-depressant

I have had the genetic testing and 2 out of 3 meds were in the worst category. It helped me get on the best meds. There are 3 categories ~ the first are the best, the second so-so, and the third not helpful at all. It was worthwhile and I would certainly recommend it. The cost is $4,000 but it is on a sliding scale. I had to pay only $20.00.

Hi @sallie,

I'm tagging Mentor @gailb, who has talked about genetic testing extensively in several discussions; I'm confident she will have more insights for you. Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine has some great information about drug-gene testing, also called pharmacogenomics, or pharmacogenetics: http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/center-for-individualized-medicine/drug-gene-testing.asp

I had genetic testing done and it indicated Zoloft for me but Zoloft stopped working last time so I am still on Venlafaxine.

Hello @roochie,

Welcome to Connect, and thanks so much for sharing. We look forward to getting to know you; may I ask how long have you been on Effexor (venlafaxine)? Do you find it to be effective? Have you experienced any side effects?

I have life-long depression triggered by a traumatic event when we I was nine. I have been on Venlafaxine for several years and others before that (imipramine, Zoloft). I have to take 100 mg of trazadone at night because Venlafaxine causes insomnia. It isn't as effective as it once was, but I'd be in trouble without it. My psychiatrist put me on an antipsychotic called Vraylar as it has shown to be effective in conjunction with an antidepressant. It worked wonders but insurance doesn't cover it off label and it costs $1300/month.

Hi, Sorry to hear of medication being so high but, if you suffer (as do I, seeing my mother die of the gruesome ALS triggered depression 30 yrs ago), there is a world-renowned treatment for removing the effects of trauma by the world-expert Dr. Edna Foa. PLEASE Google her and her clinic. Maybe she has a book out and there are trained Psychologists in the Edna Foa method around the country. Please try this!! Dr. Foa's exposure therapy treatments are considered the best in the world for trauma effects. Foa is pronounced, "FO ah." Wikipedia Edna Foa. Google her. You won't regret it. While it may not be possible, wouldn't it be great to see if you can treat the underlying trauma? Of course! : ) Best of health to you!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolonged_exposure_therapyhttp://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_B._Foa
" ... one of the most effective therapies for PTSD. She has published several books and over 200 articles and book chapters, has lectured extensively around the world, and was the chair of the PTSD work group of the DSM-IV."

Hi, Sorry to hear of medication being so high but, if you suffer (as do I, seeing my mother die of the gruesome ALS triggered depression 30 yrs ago), there is a world-renowned treatment for removing the effects of trauma by the world-expert Dr. Edna Foa. PLEASE Google her and her clinic. Maybe she has a book out and there are trained Psychologists in the Edna Foa method around the country. Please try this!! Dr. Foa's exposure therapy treatments are considered the best in the world for trauma effects. Foa is pronounced, "FO ah." Wikipedia Edna Foa. Google her. You won't regret it. While it may not be possible, wouldn't it be great to see if you can treat the underlying trauma? Of course! : ) Best of health to you!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolonged_exposure_therapy
http://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_B._Foa
" … one of the most effective therapies for PTSD. She has published several books and over 200 articles and book chapters, has lectured extensively around the world, and was the chair of the PTSD work group of the DSM-IV."

Depression is suffered by many in my family (two cousins have committed suicide and many others are on antidepressants), so I had the propensity for it. I have had EMDR treatment and it helped amazingly with my anxiety. It is used extensively on vets who have PTSD. Talk therapy has never ever helped me. I've had to accept the fact that this is a biological/chemical disease and will have it the rest of my life since I've had it for 62
years.

Same here.

What is EMDR treatment?
Thanks