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Why Genetic Testing for Mental Health Meds is Important
Recently we learned that my 19 year old Grandson (who has been diagnosed with depression, panic attacks and anxiety) has not been
on the right medication. In fact the one he has been on was in the red (wrong) zone as opposed to green or yellow. Needless-to-say he is tapering off it in preparation to be put on one in the green zone! We did learn this through the Genetic Testing. If you are able to access this testing I would really recommend it!
Best wishes
Ainsleigh
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Appreciate this information. Thanks
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1 ReactionHi cookie6845 I wanted to respond because I can relate to not wanting to be on effexor! I was on it (venlafaxine) for almost 20 years. I successfully got off in February 2020 (right as Covid-19 was peaking everywhere). It was a horrible ordeal to go through the withdrawals... I'm not sure how much was exacerbated by timing (pandemic stress). But the good news is there is life after effexor! I posted a lot about my experience in Feb on a Mayo thread 'getting off venlafaxine' (something like that title). I might have done better tapering with a 'helper' antidepressant like Lexapro but decided I could handle it knowing what I was in for... I felt I was going crazy but just kept telling myself it was 'okay' that my brain would eventually re-adjust, and eventually it did. But for 2 weeks I felt like I was on hallucinatory drugs day & night - not fun. Anyway - the REASON I am posting here is that 3 years ago I had 2 types of genetic testing (one may have been Genomind). What matters MOST is to have someone qualified to interpret the results. In my case my MD/Psychiatrist said I was deficient in several important neuro-related nutrients/supplements and that if I brought those to functioning levels I wouldn't BE depressed. At the time I did not believe him (as I said, for ~20yrs I 'needed' venlafaxine). About a year later I had established a consistent routine of the recommended supplements. A year after consistently taking these I began having the strange sensation of feeling happy for 'no particular reason'. I also began to notice venlafaxine made me fuzzy-brained. So I began lowering the dose (gradually) which actually made me feel - Less Depressed! So in my case, genetic testing was key to resolving my depression. I was not offered a 'cure' for depression - I had sought genetic testing for a completely separate issue. But the geneticist told me I was seriously deficient in several important vital 'nutrients' that would make me healthier overall. Once I supplemented with these consistently (took 2 years) I was no longer depressed. Every person is different - that's why genetic testing is so important. In the hands of a skilled neuro-geneticist your own individual needs can be assessed. The solution for me would not be applicable to you (or anyone else) because were not genetic equivalents! We all have unique needs. The sooner Doctors learn how to use this testing the better - cookie-cutter medicine should be a thing of the past... It will help with the current system of 'trial and error' prescription of psychotropic medication that causes so much stress and heartache...
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2 ReactionsThank you for your intelligent post relating to your journey with genetic testing and how it has helped you. You give me hope and encouragement in pursuing this as an option. Thanks again for sharing.
Agree. Why isn't this used as a tool to help patients seek better options versus the hit n miss of medications?
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1 ReactionMany of us did use kinetic testing to avoid the hit-and-miss process with psychotropic meds. I think some doctors are insecure having a test tell them what they should prescribe for their patients. You can go to the website and put in your zip code and they will furnish you a list of doctors who will administer the test and explain the results. Then you can take it to your clinic and you are doctor and have it made a part of your permanent medical record. When doctors see these reports they understand that this is something they should be doing because of the wealth of information, page after page after page, detailing how you will metabolize three different classes of drugs is just invaluable.
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1 ReactionThank you for taking the time to reply. Your description of weaning off depression meds is wonderful. I have done the same thing but find I still suffer from it more than I would like. I do notice the empty, hopeless, exhausted, sad (and so on and so on) feelings seem to increase when I eat foods that are empty of nutrients. After a few days of those kinds of foods, it may take a week or more for me to "balance" again. I frankly just thought it was me being silly and finding a "reason" for these awful feelings when there truly is no connection between nutrition and "mental health". Now to find a Physician that is willing to work with me. My current Dr. has refused to acknowledge any connection between diet and mental health. She wants me to go back on an anti-depressant. Nope. I have developed a liver issue although the Dr. says the med wasn't a factor. My experience tells me different. Again...valuable information. Thank you.
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2 ReactionsGeneSight testing could tell you if perhaps you were taking a drug you couldn't metabolize and show you one you can. Google it a learn more. I found it very usefull
Here is link to MAYO site. They have discontinued April 30, 2020.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/mayoclinic-geneguide
'Love Lexapro~~it really works for me!
@wheelerma ME TOO! I also love Lexapro. I still have depression off and on, probably like a normal person. I feel so sorry for my son, because he's Bipolar 1 and really struggles, but his wife protects him. He wanted to come back for his Grandmother's funeral, but she thought it would make him worse again. I think my son is being controlled by his wife. It's hard because we have no contact with him or my precious granddaughter Marlowe. I haven't seen her since she was 3 years old and she is now 8. I do see her by skyping with her, but only if she's at her grandmother's house in Chicago. They are both professors, but my son can't teach because of his Bipolar 1. His wife is a very successful professor and she was teaching at Duke and got her tenur (SP). They are now in NYC and shes at Columbia U. That's enough to make me depressed, but Lexapro has helped and all I can do is pray, come home son.