[Mountainbard]

My pdoc had this done on me (it's a cheek swab). The results (7 pages worth) indicated which psychopharmaceuticals I am sensitive to, and which are likely to be more effective for me. Turns out lamictal (which I'm on) is a good drug for me, so he increased my dosage.

The testing also indicated that my body doesn't metabolize folic acid very well. It doesn't convert it into methyl folate, which is the active form which the brain needs in order to operate properly. Even worse my brain takes the folic acid and tries to use it, which messes up my neuroreceptors. Fortunately methyl folate is available by prescription (as Deplin) and over the counter in a lower dosage. My pdoc told me that after two weeks I should feel "much much better." Now that's good news.

Bottom line: I feel more hopeful than I have in a while. Check with your pdoc to see if they do this kind of testing, and if not shop around for one who does.

[CANDC]

Thanks for the tip and the encouraging news. Keep us updated.

this is great... i cant wait to try this... thanks mountainbard!

[Moreta]

That's cool that you had it done. I actually talked about this in bipolar chat last night. I've been thinking about getting it done, but my meds work, so I'm afraid to mess with them. I have the whole folic acid thing going on too. I just take metylfolate over the counter.

Does insurance cover things like this? I'd love to do it but it sounds pricey!

[Mountainbard]

Fortunately mine does-- but you'd want to check w/your insurer beforehand.

[Hashi/bipolar mom]

I've never heard of this! I'm going to ask my pdoc!

[Victoria'smom]

My center offers this but it's not covered through my insurance.

[cloudyn808]

Aloha,

Most pdoc's don't want to take the time to learn about the new DNA advances however, the doc's still in med school are learning how important DNA testing is when prescribing medication.

I did my own testing after several of my docs either said it was "junk" science or simply stating that insurance wouldn't cover the cost. Yes, the testing can be very expensive if you go through some of the physicians who list this service on websites. I decided to use 23andme for $100 and then pay $5 to "Promethius" to have the raw information converted into readable text.

If I would have done this test last year I would have known that I might have a serious reaction to the drug Abilify. When I took Abilify (4mg/day) for 3-weeks it gave me a permanent "Parkinsonisn Syndrome."

I also confirmed what I had suspected for many years- That I am a slow metaboliser of most drugs and have a methalization problem resulting in chronic vitamin defiencies which I believe has made my depression worse.

We, as a community of health consumers should encourage our physicians to learn more about this new exciting science and pressure our insurance companies to cover the minimal costs. With DNA testing we can takes YEARS off the cycle of trial and error when prescribing psych meds and reduce the horrible side effects we suffer while the docs try one cocktail after another.

[ilive4music]

Originally Posted by Mountainbard

My pdoc had this done on me (it's a cheek swab). The results (7 pages worth) indicated which psychopharmaceuticals I am sensitive to, and which are likely to be more effective for me. Turns out lamictal (which I'm on) is a good drug for me, so he increased my dosage.

The testing also indicated that my body doesn't metabolize folic acid very well. It doesn't convert it into methyl folate, which is the active form which the brain needs in order to operate properly. Even worse my brain takes the folic acid and tries to use it, which messes up my neuroreceptors. Fortunately methyl folate is available by prescription (as Deplin) and over the counter in a lower dosage. My pdoc told me that after two weeks I should feel "much much better." Now that's good news.

Bottom line: I feel more hopeful than I have in a while. Check with your pdoc to see if they do this kind of testing, and if not shop around for one who does.

WOW that is pretty amazing. I have never heard of that before. I want to ask my doctor about it because I have been having a lot of trouble finding something to work without side effects and I am starting to feel really hopeless.

[Wanderlust90]

My pdoc thinks it's bunk science but I'm very very intrigued. Can it be done in AUS? How did you go about it mountainbird?

[HALLIEBETH87]

I got mine done too.

[fishin fool]

I have heard about this test before. I would love to do it.
I am going to check with pdoc.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I found out zyprexa was a big no no for me....after I'd been on it and it made my cholesterol sky rocket

[HeavyMetalLover]

I'm disabled and currently uninsured. Sounds pricey & like I won't be able to do it until I get SSDI or SSI coverage.... if they even cover that. It would be cool if tehy do cover that!!! I seem to be sensitive to so many meds. Unfortunately, I am allergic to Lamictal so Ican't take that. I broke out in a painful rash and my throat swelled up on it. I'm glad it works for you, though!!! That's awesome!!!

[HALLIEBETH87]

Yrs Medicaid abd Medicare cover it abd my dr said if they didn't it'd only cost me $20chevk into it

[Christopher1990]

New Psychiatric DNA Testing Is Unproven Ground - NBC News

"These new DNA tests are based on small studies by the companies who manufacture them, opening the possibility of conflict of interest, according to Daley. And there is little oversight for consumer safety because, for now, they do not require Food and Drug Administration approval."

This is a big money-making scheme constructed by big-pharma and would suggest understanding what this actually proves, before wasting your money on this. To me, it gives people assurance, what they are looking for, but psychiatrists still have no idea what the best drugs for your treatment may be.

I would like to know the specifics on these tests. What are they called when ordered? Who interprets them?

[Takeshi]

Fishy.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Yes. Who interprets the data.
I know we who struggle with bipolar need to continue to advocate for ourselves.
Even with the meds. It's up to us to check and recheck what the pdoc writes scripts for us to blindly take.
It's all so hard.

[pirilin]

Interesting.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I've read not all pdocs read the outcomes properly.
So I need to shop around first. Want a new Pdoc anyway.