Does anyone recommend GeneSight?

kevinskis · Mar 28, 2022 at 07:31 PM

I have experienced very positive benefits in terms of anxiety/depression on Lexapro, but due to persistent and horrible gastritis, I have switched to Sertraline, which so far has been horrendous in terms of having increased anxiety and depression. Rather than do SSRI musical chairs to find one that works, does anyone recommend GeneSight testing to determine which on to try next? I guess has anyone done GeneSight and found it helpful? Thanks in advance!

WastingAsparagus · Mar 28, 2022 at 07:55 PM

I did something similar with genetic testing. It seemed to confirm what I already (somewhat) knew about which meds affected me in a certain way.

For example, I learned that I am a rapid metabolizer of drugs like Effexor (venlafaxine). So it taught me and my doctor that I need a pretty high dose of Effexor.

Anyway, as long as you are open to the possibility that it may not reveal anything riveting, but also the fact that it could open up new possibilities, then I'd say go for it.

Oh and also I don't know about how much it costs. I think my insurance at the time paid for it, but my current insurance definitely wouldn't pay for it (not the greatest insurance). Check and see if your insurance will pay for it, because they might.

convalescence · Apr 03, 2022 at 11:06 AM

I’ve done GeneSight and Lexapro was in my “use as directed” category even though I had a horrible experience with it. Zyprexa was in my “significant interaction” category and that was right. Tbh, I don’t think GeneSight takes into account potential side effects at all, so take with a grain of salt.

Nammu · Apr 03, 2022 at 11:29 AM

Just last week scientists finally were able to map 100% of dna 🧬 I think it will be a few more years before they can unlock which meds work best with any accurately. And it will take a few years to get the cost down too. I’d take any current tests with a gain of salt.

simplydivine1030 · Apr 16, 2022 at 08:51 AM

I just had this done. After 10 years of being a guinea pig my new PDoc immediately recommended it. All of the meds I've been on were in the red or yellow category. I just started on one in the green category so fingers crossed this test is accurate. I think it's worth it if you can get your insurance to cover it.

downandlonely · Apr 16, 2022 at 08:56 AM

I did it and it confirmed what I found out the hard way: that SSRIs don't work as well for me as SNRIs (serotonin neurepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Have you ever tried an SNRI? I'm on Cymbalta now and it works better and has fewer side effects than SSRIs.

GeneSight does tell which meds may cause potential side effects. It's not perfect, but it's better than blind guessing.

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convalescence Member Member Since Dec 2014 Location: USA Posts: 473 9 106 hugs given	Apr 03, 2022 at 11:06 AM #3 I’ve done GeneSight and Lexapro was in my “use as directed” category even though I had a horrible experience with it. Zyprexa was in my “significant interaction” category and that was right. Tbh, I don’t think GeneSight takes into account potential side effects at all, so take with a grain of salt.
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