Medication Update (Pristiq)

[rachel913]

This past week I reached out to a psychiatrist and had the genesight test done in order to tell me what medications will and will not work for my mental health issues (anxiety & depression).

Yesterday I got my results back and found that I am severely allergic to two of the three medications I was put on last year that ended up with me being in the hospital for serotonin syndrome (Cymbalta & Zoloft).

I've been on escitalopram 15 mg for the last year but have been extremely anxious and have persistent physical symptoms regardless of the medication. I've known something just wasn't right.

The genesight test also told me that I'm moderately reactive to lexapro! I have an ultra rapid metabolizer gene (CYP2D6) in my liver which makes me absorb certain medications extremely fast thus causing an adverse affect of the medication along with heightened negative symptoms.

I am now being prescribed Pristiq which is a great option for me in terms of my genetic makeup.. I am cross tapering the lexapro while starting a low dose of pristiq at the same time. My first dose was taken this morning.

I am worried I'll have yet another adverse reaction or something serious like serotonin syndrome again with how sensitive I am to medications. I guess I just have to trust that I've been put through hell and back already, I'm hoping God will give me a break on this one.

Plus, a psychiatrist should know their stuff.. Please keep me in your thoughts during this difficult journey xx

[mrmonk]

Hi rachel913,

I wasn't even aware genetic testing could be done to gauge the suitability of psychotropic medications, so thank you for your post. I've been considering the option of cutting a pharmacological path through my mental illness for some time now, but have been really nervous about drug side effects.

I'd be interested to know how the Pristiq works out for you; I hope it is effective and you have some relief. Be well.

[Lakewolf in reply to mrmonk]

There now exists genetic testing to gauge the efficacy of most medications.

These tests will also give you an idea of how your body will react (such as whether or not a drug could be lethal for you.)

I believe it’s rather expensive, so if you live in the US, you may need to go to a teaching hospital for treatment.