advertisement
Closed Thread
Thread Tools Display Modes
ChangingMyMind
Veteran Member
ChangingMyMind has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 715
10 yr Member
107 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 11:59 AM
  #1
I posted in another thread about this but I think the topic can be greatly expanded on and should have it's own thread.

I had genetic testing done by AssureX recently to see which AD would be best suited for me. I feel a bit less anxious about this new medicine I'm taking because of this genetic testing but I wonder if the testing is really helpful or not.

Has anybody else had testing done and tried the newly suggested medicine? What was your response to the medicine?

My genetic testing suggested Pristiq as the best option for me. I am now on my third day of Pristiq, too early to tell if it will be the drug for me but I am optimistic. I see the psychiatrist today to get a copy of the genetic testing and give her an update on how I feel. I'll keep updating my progress here.

__________________
Dx: MDD, GAD, Panic Disorder
Rx: None, too many side effects.
ChangingMyMind is offline  

advertisement
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 02:36 PM
  #2
You are the only person I know who has ever had this test. I am very interested to hear how you do on Pristiq. It acts on norepinephrine seratonin, and dopamine to some extent.

Why you did good on Celexa an SSRI and why the test points to Pristiq an SSNRI is a good question. Maybe you will do better on Pristiq then Celexa.

I do not agree with Michanne that just because the test will only tell you how your liver will metabolize a certain drug does not mean it is not useful in telling you it effectiveness.
How you metabolize a drug may very well have a lot to do with its effectiveness.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Webgoji
Grand Magnate
 
Webgoji's Avatar
Webgoji has no updates.
 
Member Since: Aug 2013
Location: Wichita, Ks
Posts: 3,535
10 yr Member
993 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 02:40 PM
  #3
Well, I know that for me, I respond much better on SSNRI medications than on SSRI medications because norepinephrine and serotonin both play a factor in my depression. So maybe it will play out better for you.

__________________
Helping to create a kinder, gentler world by flinging poo.
Webgoji is offline  
Jolisse
Grand Poohbah
 
Jolisse's Avatar
Jolisse has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,853
10 yr Member
58 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 05:36 PM
  #4
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChangingMyMind View Post
I posted in another thread about this but I think the topic can be greatly expanded on and should have it's own thread.

I had genetic testing done by AssureX recently to see which AD would be best suited for me. I feel a bit less anxious about this new medicine I'm taking because of this genetic testing but I wonder if the testing is really helpful or not.

Has anybody else had testing done and tried the newly suggested medicine? What was your response to the medicine?

My genetic testing suggested Pristiq as the best option for me. I am now on my third day of Pristiq, too early to tell if it will be the drug for me but I am optimistic. I see the psychiatrist today to get a copy of the genetic testing and give her an update on how I feel. I'll keep updating my progress here.

How did you find about about this test?
Jolisse is offline  
dillpickle1983
Grand Poohbah
 
dillpickle1983's Avatar
dillpickle1983 has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2011
Location: Warren, Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,706
10 yr Member
263 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 06:30 PM
  #5
I have a friend who did this, and it did not help whatsoever. Matter of fact if made him think that those meds that would "work with him" were the only ones. He also is a hypochondriac and that didn't help things. But every med he tried he had some off the wall, never seen or reported, or life threatening side effect. I don't know, but I honestly think that test is worthless.

__________________
dillpickle1983 is offline  
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 07:30 PM
  #6
Quote:
Originally Posted by dillpickle1983 View Post
I have a friend who did this, and it did not help whatsoever. Matter of fact if made him think that those meds that would "work with him" were the only ones. He also is a hypochondriac and that didn't help things. But every med he tried he had some off the wall, never seen or reported, or life threatening side effect. I don't know, but I honestly think that test is worthless.
If he was a hypochondriac and never gave any meds a fair chance then why do you say it is the test that is worthless?

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Marshellette
Veteran Member
 
Marshellette's Avatar
Marshellette has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2014
Location: Backstage
Posts: 523
10 yr Member
25 hugs
given
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 07:32 PM
  #7
Brilliant, more of this should be done that a shot in the dark.

__________________
Swim, just swim. Keep your head above water.
Marshellette is offline  
dillpickle1983
Grand Poohbah
 
dillpickle1983's Avatar
dillpickle1983 has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2011
Location: Warren, Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,706
10 yr Member
263 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 08:12 PM
  #8
I don't think genetics plays any roll in what psych meds work, and what doesnt. There is too much trial and error. I would like to see factual statistics on this testing & psych meds. Just what I think about it. Not trying to start an argument or debate.

__________________
dillpickle1983 is offline  
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 08:23 PM
  #9
Yeah it is hard to say. It basically just tells them how you will metabolize a drug based on what liver enzymes your genes produce. There is a wide variety in enzymes in people and how the liver processes things. If you don't produce the intended active metabolites then maybe it won't work at all or you will have bad side effects.

I can see how it would be useful.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Anonymous817219
Guest
Anonymous817219 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mar 24, 2014 at 08:48 PM
  #10
You have to look at them carefully. There are some you can mail in that claim all sorts of things. Then there is a category called "personalized medicine" which is what changing did. You have to use a professional for this and I only know of two companies so far. Pharmacogenetics has been used longer for determining pain meds. This may be the metabolic test you did. The other company also test for Neuro transmitters. The difference is the metabolic test only tells you if you are likely to tolerate which meds. The other test tells you which classes might be more suitable. The key word is "might". They don't diagnose so they aren't really telling you which drug you "need". They second one come closer but I'm not sure.

http://www.genomind.com/. <-- Neuro transmitter and metabolic
http://assurexhealth.com/products/. <-- metabolic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
ChangingMyMind
Veteran Member
ChangingMyMind has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 715
10 yr Member
107 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 08:13 AM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolisse View Post
How did you find about about this test?
My psychiatrist asked me if I wanted to do the test since we found that Lexapro was not working for me and she knew we would have to look at other medicine.

__________________
Dx: MDD, GAD, Panic Disorder
Rx: None, too many side effects.
ChangingMyMind is offline  
Webgoji
Grand Magnate
 
Webgoji's Avatar
Webgoji has no updates.
 
Member Since: Aug 2013
Location: Wichita, Ks
Posts: 3,535
10 yr Member
993 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 08:20 AM
  #12
GATTACA!!!!

Okay, I'm done. I'll crawl back under my rock now.

__________________
Helping to create a kinder, gentler world by flinging poo.
Webgoji is offline  
 
Thanks for this!
Focus62, justbeingme80, Nammu, SillyKitty
ChangingMyMind
Veteran Member
ChangingMyMind has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 715
10 yr Member
107 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 08:29 AM
  #13
So, I wanted to be sure to post an update. I got my test from the doc but I do not have it with me. I will post more on that later today when I get home. I will say that the two ADs it suggests I would do well on are: Wellbutrin and Pristiq, that's it!

So, I am still on Pristiq. (For those of you who followed the other thread) I know I feel the effects of medicine quite quickly although I don't believe I am able to determine if an AD is good for me or not within one day or even a week so I decided to stick it out.

Today is day 4 and I can still say that my depression and anxiety are GONE. Non existent at this point, which is amazing! Lexapro had nowhere near this affect on me (FYI Lexapro is in the "bad" list on the test). I have noticed a few things: 1) my heart rate is a bit higher (although I think Lexapro and Celexa dropped it down originally since I was on the really low side 48-60 resting, now I'm at around 72 resting). 2) I am very alert and have increased energy (celexa made me tired). 3) I have less of an appetite 4) My mind is more clear at work (I felt like I was losing my intelligence on Lexapro). 5) Very mild GI issues, slight stomach pain a few times in the first few days and diarrhea for a very short time one day. 6) I feel happy, laughing a lot, very talkative (like I used to be pre-Lexapro). 7) My muscles in my shoulder and neck feel a bit tense (I think that is from the energy), Pristiq is quite activating for me, it's like taking 40mg of Ritalin almost but without the peaks and valleys.

That's all I have right now. Like I said I will follow up with some information about the test later and keep posting on my progress with Pristiq.

__________________
Dx: MDD, GAD, Panic Disorder
Rx: None, too many side effects.
ChangingMyMind is offline  
Anonymous817219
Guest
Anonymous817219 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 08:40 AM
  #14
Quote:
Originally Posted by dillpickle1983 View Post
I don't think genetics plays any roll in what psych meds work, and what doesnt. There is too much trial and error. I would like to see factual statistics on this testing & psych meds. Just what I think about it. Not trying to start an argument or debate.

There is criticism (as there should be for checks and balances ).

http://1boringoldman.com/index.php/2011/10/06/warned/

What I don't like is I can totally see these tests coming across to patients as more than they are. There are drs that try to increase "patient compliance" by using tests that really don't have any evidence they work. Basically they are using placebo psychology to get patients to take their meds. Brain scans is an example. It strikes me as condescending and dangerous if the patient has been mis diagnosed. Happens all the time.

I didn't completely understand the tests until I got a chance to to see the result example and read more. How many patients are going to leap to the conclusion that the tells you what you "should be taking" as opposed to what your body can tolerate. They don't. I bet even some professionals are going to leap to that conclusion.

And I can also see people thinking the tests where you send in a swab yourself is the same. It isn't. I don't see how that it is clear. Just saying I hope it doesn't get unwarranted hype to the detriment of patient health.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 09:16 AM
  #15
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChangingMyMind View Post
So, I wanted to be sure to post an update. I got my test from the doc but I do not have it with me. I will post more on that later today when I get home. I will say that the two ADs it suggests I would do well on are: Wellbutrin and Pristiq, that's it!

So, I am still on Pristiq. (For those of you who followed the other thread) I know I feel the effects of medicine quite quickly although I don't believe I am able to determine if an AD is good for me or not within one day or even a week so I decided to stick it out.

Today is day 4 and I can still say that my depression and anxiety are GONE. Non existent at this point, which is amazing! Lexapro had nowhere near this affect on me (FYI Lexapro is in the "bad" list on the test). I have noticed a few things: 1) my heart rate is a bit higher (although I think Lexapro and Celexa dropped it down originally since I was on the really low side 48-60 resting, now I'm at around 72 resting). 2) I am very alert and have increased energy (celexa made me tired). 3) I have less of an appetite 4) My mind is more clear at work (I felt like I was losing my intelligence on Lexapro). 5) Very mild GI issues, slight stomach pain a few times in the first few days and diarrhea for a very short time one day. 6) I feel happy, laughing a lot, very talkative (like I used to be pre-Lexapro). 7) My muscles in my shoulder and neck feel a bit tense (I think that is from the energy), Pristiq is quite activating for me, it's like taking 40mg of Ritalin almost but without the peaks and valleys.

That's all I have right now. Like I said I will follow up with some information about the test later and keep posting on my progress with Pristiq.
That is awesome. I hope it continues and I bet it will.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 09:27 AM
  #16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michanne View Post
There is criticism (as there should be for checks and balances ).

I didn't completely understand the tests until I got a chance to to see the result example and read more. How many patients are going to leap to the conclusion that the tells you what you "should be taking" as opposed to what your body can tolerate. They don't. I bet even some professionals are going to leap to that conclusion.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
The more I read about it the more confident I am that they are useful. I believe how you metabolize a drug besides just telling you how you will tolerate it ie. side effects, may also have a great deal to do with effectiveness. Of course it does seem it is much easier to tell the side effects than it is the effectiveness from these tests. Maybe you don't produce the intended active metabolite at all but some other. Maybe the other makes you more depressed because it is not the one that would make you less depressed. It is a step in the right direction though.

I do agree that pdocs use the placebo effect to their advantage as much as they can. I do not know if that is unethical though since it can be so powerful for some people. 1 in 3 I have read.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 09:42 AM
  #17
Testing for genes that produce liver enzymes is not saying that the depression is caused by genetics. Although is my case I think it is.

So there is the complex and multiple causes of depression that make the whole issue of genetic testing very difficult.

Then there is the fact that the drugs in the arsenal are not that effective for many people. There are some studies that say no more effective than placebo. But the clinical data seems to dispute that and says they are effective in 50% of the people. I tend to go with clinical data rather then a couple of clinical trials.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
Anonymous817219
Guest
Anonymous817219 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mar 25, 2014 at 11:30 AM
  #18
Quote:
Originally Posted by zinco14532323 View Post
The more I read about it the more confident I am that they are useful. I believe how you metabolize a drug besides just telling you how you will tolerate it ie. side effects, may also have a great deal to do with effectiveness. Of course it does seem it is much easier to tell the side effects than it is the effectiveness from these tests. Maybe you don't produce the intended active metabolite at all but some other. Maybe the other makes you more depressed because it is not the one that would make you less depressed. It is a step in the right direction though.


I do agree that pdocs use the placebo effect to their advantage as much as they can. I do not know if that is unethical though since it can be so powerful for some people. 1 in 3 I have read.

It isn't the effectiveness of the test that concerns me. I think it can be helpful. It's how it is spun, intentional or not, that concerns me.

I am a big supporter of transparency in your medical treatment. I think it is highly unethical to mislead people. In the long run it is another valid reason why there is so much distrust of the industry. People do figure it out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
ChangingMyMind
Veteran Member
ChangingMyMind has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 715
10 yr Member
107 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 26, 2014 at 12:17 PM
  #19
Another update. Sorry I didn't post the genetic testing yesterday. I took some time to just relax and needed it! I will post it tonight.

I am still feeling great on Pristiq! Slight anxiety but no panic, no depression. The high feeling is starting to wear off. I have been feeling a bit nervous, like my body is vibrating from the inside but it comes and goes. It happened last night but today I haven't had it. I am still energetic but it's also wearing off. No stomach pain or nausea, no other stomach issues. All GI issues from Lexapro are gone! I do have some dry mouth. Brain shivers (but that has been happening since Lexapro). Slight upper back pain, I think it's from me being tense from the added energy.

Overall feeling pretty good. Pdoc wants me to increase to 100mg after 1 week but I don't know if I want to... 50mg is working out so far. I will have to talk to her about it when I check in on Friday.

__________________
Dx: MDD, GAD, Panic Disorder
Rx: None, too many side effects.
ChangingMyMind is offline  
Altered Moment
Elder
 
Altered Moment's Avatar
Altered Moment has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,481
10 yr Member PC PoohBah!
Default Mar 26, 2014 at 01:23 PM
  #20
Great news.

I also and doing much much better since switching from Effexor to Fetzima.

__________________
The "paradox" is only a conflict between reality and your feeling of what reality "ought to be." -- Richard Feynman

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorder with some paranoid delusions thrown in for fun.
Recovering Alcoholic and Addict
Possibly on low end of bi polar spectrum...trying to decide.

Male, 50

Fetzima 80mg
Lamictal 100mg
Remeron 30mg for sleep
Klonopin .5mg twice a day, cutting this back
Altered Moment is offline  
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.