Uncovering the Reasons Your Prescription Medications Aren't as Effective as You'd Like

Maybe you've been feeling down, unmotivated, generally fatigued. Maybe its not getting better even with added steps to eat better, get more sleep and move your body. Maybe you decide its time to talk to your doctor about what to do next. Maybe that next step is a prescription medication. But, what happens next if that prescription is not doing all you hoped to get you back to feeling like yourself again?

The simple answer is...not all medications are right for YOU.

GeneSight testing can provide valuable insights into how your body metabolizes certain psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants, antipsychotics, sleep medications and mood stabilizers. Here's why you might consider getting GeneSight testing:

1. Personalized Medication Selection: GeneSight analyzes your DNA to determine how your body processes medications. This information helps your healthcare provider select the most appropriate medications and doses for you based on your genetic makeup. This can potentially save time and frustration by avoiding medications that are unlikely to work well for you.

2. Improved Treatment Outcomes: By tailoring your medication regimen to your genetic profile, GeneSight testing can increase the likelihood of finding an effective treatment faster. This may lead to better symptom relief, fewer side effects, and an overall improved quality of life.

3. Reduced Trial and Error: Psychiatric medication selection often involves a trial-and-error process, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. GeneSight testing can help reduce this trial and error by providing more targeted medication options, potentially shortening the time it takes to find the right treatment.

4. Minimized Side Effects: Different individuals metabolize medications differently, which can lead to side effects. GeneSight testing can identify medications that are more likely to cause adverse reactions based on your genetic makeup, allowing your healthcare provider to choose medications with fewer side effects.

5. Better Understanding of Medication Response: GeneSight results can provide insight into why certain medications may not work well for you or why you may experience certain side effects. This understanding can guide future treatment decisions and discussions with your healthcare provider.

6. Support for Treatment Decisions: GeneSight results can serve as an additional tool for your healthcare provider when making treatment decisions. It can complement other factors such as your medical history, symptoms, and preferences, leading to a more comprehensive approach to your mental health care.

7. Applicability in Various Mental Health Conditions: GeneSight testing is beneficial for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. It's applicable in both adults and children, providing personalized treatment options across different age groups.

In summary, GeneSight testing can offer personalized guidance for medication selection in mental health treatment, potentially leading to better outcomes, reduced side effects, and a more efficient treatment process. However, it's important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether GeneSight testing is appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances and needs.

Contact Nurse Nicole at Emerald Direct Health to schedule your GeneSight testing.