Genetic Testing for most effective ADHD Meds

Hello,

So odd you ask about genetic testing and ADHD. I just saw a video on YouTube by Dr. Russell Barkley

I think this link will help you understand better.

I haven't tried it personally, but I've read the evidence. It certainly isn't perfect, some trial and error can still be required, but it can speed up the process somewhat. If it's too expensive, though, you can certainly find the right drug without it.

Where the genetic testing really shines is for cancer, where the side effects are far worse and the patient's actual survival could depend on finding the right treatment protocol as fast as possible.

Yes, my son was tested, and I’m so grateful. We’d already tried most of the ADHD categories of drugs with him, and none went well. After we received his results, we could see that at least part of the problem was because he has gene interactions for every single category. However, it turns out that with the one category we hadn’t yet tried (which includes Vyvanse) it said only that he might have higher than expected blood serum levels. So armed with that knowledge I am using the water titration method to split a 10 mg capsule into multiple doses until we find the amount that works for him. This past week he was at 2.5 milligrams and there seemed to be a slight improvement. Now we are moving up to 5 milligrams. I am nervous because of how poorly he reacted to methylphenidate, but I’m hoping we finally found the right medication solution.

We went through Genesight, and I’ve been pleased with the test, which also included info about antidepressants and some other types of medications too. He has the same type of interaction with fluoxetine as he does with Vyvanse. We do have him on a low dose of fluoxetine (10 mg) for his anxiety, which seems to be working pretty well.

I took the genetic test too, and have the same interactions with ADHD drugs as my son. Just like him, I didn’t have a good experience with methylphenidate but I am experiencing symptom relief with a low dose of Vyvanse.

I havent tried that. Actually, we havent tried medication *yet*. We have attempted to treat it behaviorally with checklists, social skills training, and therapy, and we have had huge successes! But i sometimes think that I'm doing him a disservice by not attempting meds.

Our experience with genetic testing has been very positive. I recommend it alot in my discussions on here. After over a year of no meds, I asked that my daughter try a non-stimulant (for several reasons I won't go into now). The non-stimulant dosage was being constantly increased and we were soon to the max. An integrative doctor recommended the genetic testing and we made a change based on the results. I can honestly say that the meds it suggested would be best for her would be the ones I had judged and not wanted to try. Of course there are side effects that we work to manage, but the purpose of the medication does a great job in supporting her in being her best. I have also heard lots of positive experiences with other parents that after years of painful trail and error the genetic testing has brought them way ore effective solutions. I wish the best to you and yours!

Where do you go for genetic testing?