Pharmacogenomic Testing. By Our Student Pharmacist, Fatima Shah.
With the advancing of pharmacogenomic testing, it is currently possible to use the test to observe how patients respond to their psychiatric medications.
Every individual’s genes code for enzymes and receptors in their bodies. These enzymes are what help medications in the body metabolize and different medications bind to different receptors.
Most medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, are metabolized in the liver and encounter one of the CYP450 enzymes.
Depending on the speed and strength of metabolism, medications may concentrate in plasma, causing more side effects than expected. Also, they may be cleared out very quickly, needing higher doses than usual compared to the standard doses.
Pharmacogenomics test kits are currently able to look at genes responsible for cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and at genes responsible for serotonin and dopamine receptors. These test results may be useful to healthcare professionals when choosing appropriate psychiatric medications for patients.
Gene Sight Psychotropic testing kit:
Gene Sight Psychotropic Kit is used in patients that have been diagnosed with mental health conditions and failed at least one medication.
It is important to work with your doctor in analyzing the results and the results will inform the doctor on your genes that may affect your metabolism in response to certain medications.
How does it work?
The website provides resources to make the test accessible and affordable for patients. It is important to keep in mind that not all insurances cover the test and the company does provide financial assistance programs and payment plans to help customers. This option may be beneficial cost wise if patients are failing multiple therapies , having multiple relapses, hospitalizations, and doctor visits.
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