Cool science

[maggief9812]

Here is one of the several pages of results from my recent genesight test- now we know based of my existing genes and enzymes what drugs I will metabolize most effectively, enzymes I’m actually deficient in, and supplements I need to make my medications work better for me. Amazing! I’m excited to switch over to the desvenlafaxine (brand name Pristiq in USA) to see how much better I can feel.

[ChicagoGirl1961]

Science is amazing. How accurate are these tests?

[maggief9812 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

The test checks whether you have the genes necessary to produce the enzymes to metabolize a given drug. For example, I didn’t have the full complement of enzymes necessary to metabolize my citalopram. So I wasn’t getting full effectiveness from my dose. I could tell it was doing something, just not *enough*.

So I am now starting a new drug that I have the proper enzymes for my body to be able to access the intended effect of the medication. That doesn’t guarantee it will fix me- it just guarantees my body can process it. I still have to do the work of recognizing my negative coping mechanisms and patterns of behavior and keep on working to improve myself.

That said, I am incredibly grateful the technology exists to save me from the guessing game of trying to find the best medication for me! From everything I’ve heard that trial and error can be horrible.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to maggief9812]

Does a good health insurance plan cover this sort of testing? It would sure take some of the guess work out of determining the right AD, by the time I finally got on the right one I felt like a lab rat

[maggief9812 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

I don’t know what the coverage and policies are like in your area, but my test was 100% covered. I only had to pay my usual $20 copay for an office visit. The company has a really good sliding scale/affordability assistance program and won’t run the test without talking to you about your expected cost. I gave them my insurance and income information and they confirmed my expected cost over the phone. Go to genesight.com for more info.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to maggief9812]

I'll do that. Thank you. I think this sort of test would really be helpful to some of our forum members. Sounds like it could really help put a stop to needless suffering. I'm at a loss why my doctor never suggested this.

[maggief9812 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

That’s why I shared it! I was excited to learn about it myself and I’m happy to get to use it. I don’t want to go through the trial and error as much as anyone else! The science is still growing, and I look forward to the days when they can make even more personalized recommendations. For now it’s best for pointing out the meds that definitely won’t work, and the ones that Will affect you. It still doesn’t pinpoint how you’ll respond to treatment- but a lot of that depends on the patients willingness to stick with a new regimen and do the follow up work.

Some doctors haven’t been exposed yet, some aren’t early adopters of new technology, but it’s not bad to have a doctor that is skeptical of ideas until they’re proven- it’s good to be a critical thinker in healthcare.

[Angry101]

I had this done to and it was a lifesaver. Just about all my meds were in the red or third column

[Coralrose5]

What is this test called?

[maggief9812 in reply to Coralrose5]

Genesight (genesight.com) calls it “pharmacogenomic testing”. Your doctor collects an exfoliative cytology sample (inner cheek swab) and sends it into genesight to get tested.