[Newshooze2]

Hi all. I have battled meds for 20+ years and I'm always afraid (more like terrified) to try new ones because they have major adverse side effects, make me worse, randomly stop working, etc.. I have been labeled treatment resistant and currently only take Clonazepam for anxiety. My pdoc finally did a DNA test to find the proper antidepressant(s) personalized for me. I'm actually excited as I wait for the results and will keep you posted.
If you are interested, check with your pdoc and your insurance provider to make sure it's covered. It's extremely costly without insurance.
I've attached a small portion of how it works from a google search.

DNA testing:
Genetic testing is a first step in personalized medicine, the idea being that treatment can be tailored to the individual, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all treatment. (Of course, mood is affected by non-genetic factors as well, such as stressful life events. But genes do play a role.) The DNA test I’m taking will look at two liver enzymes, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, to analyze how quickly, or how slowly, I metabolize antidepressants. If it finds I metabolize them slowly, it means I would suffer more side effects than if I metabolized them quickly. That’s because the drug would stay in my system longer. Therefore, I wouldn’t need as high a dose, or I might need a different medication. If the test shows I am a fast metabolizer, that would mean my liver would process a particular drug too quickly—so while I’d be unlikely to have side effects, I’d also be unlikely to benefit because the drug wouldn’t stay in my system long enough.
For anyone who is severely depressed, not having the right medication or dosage means they end up suffering longer. The wrong medication or dosage could also result in needless side effects, which could include insomnia, weight gain, low libido and dizziness. Knowing what kind of metabolizer you are can be particularly important for certain groups.

[Victoria'smom]

I would love to take that test.