GeneSight

Haven't been on healingwell in quite awhile, and have run through a series of different drugs since I last posted. Almost all had negative results. Been on lamictal for several months now, with generally positive results, and very low doses of Rexulti two days a week - though the combination is only ok so far at reducing my depression to some degree. Due to the encouragement of both my psychiatrist and psychologist, I decided to go the GeneSight route. The results I received pretty much explained everything about my treatment regimen for the last decade. Out of all of the ADs on the market, I only had two in the "take as directed" column. All the other ADs were either in the moderate drug-gene interaction or the significant drug-gene interaction (most of them were in this column). Surprised, but not surprised. As well, every AD that is used for OCD, which I also have, was in the significant column. It appears I have a genotype that does not metabolize a whole series of meds, which includes most of the ADs, and a lot of antipsychotics (which was the second regimen my pdoc was trying because we were having such problems with the ADs). Unfortunately, Rexulti is in the significant column, so things will have to change there. The only areas in which I "passed" were with the mood stabilizers and the hypnotics/anxiolytics, which at this point, I have had very few problems with. Another revelation from the report is that I have a short form of the serotonin transporter gene, which makes SSRIs pretty much useless for me. Alternative treatment regimens were suggested.

The most interesting thing about the results is that they go a long way toward explaining my troubles with meds over the years. I expected to gain some insights into my treatment, but I didn't expect to get results that mirrored my treatment issues so closely.

I see my pdoc next week to go over the results, and hopefully we will come to some path forward based on the genetic test results.

As a scientist, I realize the gene test results are not going to be perfect, but they will at least serve as a road map for future treatment plans. That is much better than total trial and error, which is what I have been doing for much too long.

I also had testing thru Genesight and it explained a lot of my past experiences with AD. Also showed even tho my blood work should normal ranges for folic acid my brain did not use what was in my body for the serotonin uptake so psych added Delpin to drug regimen and made a big difference. When I showed the Genesight book (my report) to my PCP she said she wished more mental health docs would do this testing. So looks like we both are headed in the right direction due to Genesight.

Thanks for your support. My pdoc went over the report with me, and she was a bit shocked that almost all the ADs were problematic. I have OCD too, and all the ADs that are used for OCD were in the significant-reaction column. Oh, well, not much can be done about that. She's continuing with the lamotrigine, which she upped to 100 mg since Genesight indicated SSRI's won't likely work well for me - which I have learned again and again. I seem to tolerate lamotrigine pretty well, with few side effects, but I'm going to post some questions about it in another thread. No rash, so that's a good thing, but Genesight indicated I was less likely to develop rashes from the various meds that cause them. The genotype that doesn't metabolize at all is my biggest problem with the ADs. Basically they build up in my system too quickly, and instead of helping, I get hit with a multitude of side effects.

Tim Tam,

Sorry about that. I end up researching every med I'm prescribed, and more. My OCD really plays into my scientific interest and "obsession" at times, and it makes it into my writing, so I apologize for that. As well, the scores of side effects I have had on meds, including a very serious allergic reaction to one pill of an NSAID (called Zipsor) I had taken for years without any problems at all, which landed me in the hospital ER, has prompted me to look very closely at meds and their side effects. I posted my lamotrigine (lamictal) question in another thread.

I use lamotrogine... luckily no Johnson's rash. Kami is an anti eoeleptic....however great results are being shown, clinical results of it's effectiveness with bi polar.

In Australia a major genetic bi polar study is being conducted. Yep saliva sample, massive online questions...etc. am participating. Very legit study. A professor I know of is involved.

It involves all medical and pharmaceutical, psychiatric treatment reports etc. Am excited to be involved as this will help people with this disorder. HT

Will do.

Taygeta,
Thank you for your feedback and advice. I have an appointment with the P-Doc on Saturday. Honestly, I have many days when I want to stop taking my meds because I still have depression. However, not only do I still have the depression, I have the side effects (somnolence, weight gain). When I feel especially depressed one day, I think "your brain needs help." It will be interesting to hear what my Psychiatrist thinks about GeneSight.