Why Genetic Testing for Mental Health Meds is Important

Has anyone had MTHFR come back on their genetic testing? I paid four figures after insurance a couple years ago when a doctor ran genetic testing (unbeknownst to me) and this is one of the results. It has depression and anxiety linked to it, which runs in my family might explain that. I have an high sensitivity with medications and would definitely like the testing to find out which meds would work best. Roulette wheel scares me to death with each new med. I'm on Lexapro but am having panic attacks that are getting worse. I guess it's time to up my level on it. I've been resisting but this last one scared me.

@gldnrtrvrlvr Boy I had trouble putting in your code name. I have been on Lexapro and feel good on it, but I'm also on Klonopin, and Lamictal. Ask your doctor about those two meds. The Klonopin is for anxiety and the Lamictal is used for seizures, but is also a mood elevator. I hope this helps you. I am also depressive and anxiety. I haven't had any panic attacks for some time. Mental Illness runs in our family.

Well we leave Saturday for Mayo. I have to have a Covid-10 test and blood test for it. It has to be done 48 hours before surgery, that's all for Sunday. But, Monday I have a 7:30 appointment for a chest x-ray and then an EKG. Later I see the surgeon and then later he does an exam. We also will go to a class which will help my husband know how to help me once I get home. I'm starting to get nervous, but yet excited. I'm not scared of the surgery. I think I'm more scared once we get home. My husband works full-time out of our house as Cyber Security for Wells Fargo. He is so busy now it just scares me how he is going to take care of me. He will find out at that meeting.
I hope you start feeling better, I know what it is like. My son has bipolar 1 and has a hard time, but my mom had that too and ended up ending up her life at the age of 69.

@ lilypaws

How are you doing? I hope you'll be able to let me know. Virtual hugs to you.💜

Thanks, that's a great idea and may stop a lot of my adverse drug reactions and bad side effects that are occurring. I'm currently trying to reach my Psychiatrist because we agreed that I'd increase my Lexapro to 15 mg. and that's when I realized it was the medicine that's been causing quite a few problems since I went on it almost a year ago and hadn't put the two together. When you have so many medical conditions going, it's harder to determine what is causing what. I looked up the side effects of Lexapro in great detail and found side effects that I've been struggling with. Now to get through to the doc. They won't take a message and I can't find a way to leave a message for her on her website! I'll look one more time then I'll be walking into the office.

@lilypaws How're you doing? I've read in other parts that your home now. That was quite a surgery. Do they want you up and walking every day? After my fusion, that's what I had to do. My surgery was in 2013. Lately it feels like my screws are poking me and boy does that hurt.

I will talk to my doctor about those meds if I can but you know doctors don't like patients telling them how to do their jobs! Great way to get them grouchy usually or tell you to leave. I understand about the genetic factor of anxiety/depression as both my kids are dealing with depression and anxiety, my father fought depression all his life and committed suicide at 60, my mother fought anxiety and depression. I don't know beyond that. It wasn't talked about. Now they've labeled Gen Z as having both. How is that possible when they've been given everything? Wish they'd grown up like we did where they'd to go outside and play with friends, no TV, social media, phones, etc. to waste away the day with instead of doing something and having chores to do. My kids did have chores and have to play outside but we're still influenced by the technology advances. It was a fight.

Hi @gldnrtrvrlvr -- There is another discussion for MTHFR that you may find helpful to meet other members discussing the gene.

Hyperhomocysteinemia with MTHFR C677T mutations. Does anyone have this: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hyperhomocysteinemia-with-mthfr-c677t-mutations-does-anyone-have-this/

Are you able to discuss the meds with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are better alternatives?

@gldnrtvrlvr I had Gene sight testing 3 months ago by my psychiatric nurse. I have been dealing with depression for years and I am now 75yo. I failed the test according to my doctor. There is no bad, good or otherwise drug that stands out???? So back to hit and miss. Currently prescribed Vraylor. almost 1 month low dose. I can/will cry anytime, anywhere,

@summertime4 I empathize with your crying as I do too. It used to be that in doctor office that they'd actually empathize and try to take care of you when this occurred. Now, the front office employees totally ignore you and I even had my neurologist just act like it was another day in the office. It was my worst panic attack to date. 😳

summertime4 Hello I was in your shoes and I had to up my dose of Prozac to get rid of the Depression and suicidal thoughts. I went to 60. No more thoughts. I am also making myself --pray everyday Sit in Sun 10 minutes take my meds faithfully. I lost 7 lbs. Need to lose 40 more to get where I was fit. I also asked for a separation from having a boyfriend that emotionally abused me. I am also learning about co-dependency. It is changing my whole LIFE too. God Bless you. I still have PTSD and ADHD -working as always on that.

I know how you are feeling. I hate the hit & miss with meds. I went off effexor a yr ago, but the last few months I have been soooo down. I will be starting on Lexapo soon, if i can last that long. Sending hugs.