Genetic testing for best antidepressant anyone?

mnsotamom74

So my depression and anxiety which were very under control even after my cancer diagnosis, became debilitating after my ovaries were removed and instant menopause and then the addition of Arimedex has me a mess.

My psychiatrist had me take the gene test and it shows that Effexor ( which I’ve been on 3 years) is actually one of the ones that will help me the least. Apparently an antidepressant called Prestiq (?spelling) would be the best.

I’m on the fence, my psychiatrist admitted that getting me off the Effexor isn’t going to be a picnic and we will have to go slow because the side effects will be pretty bad.

I know I cannot go on like this, I’m having days I cannot even leave the house. But I’m scared this test is too new and maybe won’t even be correct. I just hate messing with antidepressants because I’m very touchy to the side effects.

Just wondering if anyone has had this test done and your thoughts on it.

Thank you in advance for repli

Fairydragonfly

I can't speak to your personal situation or about the test you took, but I switched from Effexor to Pristiq about 6 years ago and found it to be extremely helpful. I don't recall the withdrawal from the Effexor being too horrible.

I appreciate where you are coming from as my depression has been a battle since the early 1990s and now that it is managed, I'm concerned about potentially making changes to it.

Ingerp

A friend’s son had this testing done, switched medications, and found the new one to be more effective.

pritydaizy

My psychiatrist recommended this testing for me because I am sensitive to the side effects of antidepressants or they don't work much at all. I've tried several different ones with really not much relief. I am hesitant to take this test because it's so new and it's not covered by insurance. I hope to hear from others who have done this test.

JoniB

Interesting question and responses. My daughter has suffered from depression for years. Her medication was not working and she asked her psychiatrist about the testing. The doctor told her she found it to be 50/50 with the recommended medication only effective half the time. My daughter feels she has tried almost all of the newer medications anyway. She recently changed medication and found the weaning off one and start up of the new drug to be excruciating. That was the reason she resisted changing for so long. If it was me I would take the chance and do the test, but only if the price for the testing was not sky high. I wish you the best of luck in finding a medication that will make you feel better.

Salamandra

I agree with you that the medical evidence for genetic testing for antidepressants really isn't there yet.

That said, it sounds like the the Effexor isn't working well for you now anyway (if I interpreted your post right). So it's probably a good idea to try something new. I have also heard that coming off Effexor can be hard. But hopefully you can take it super super slow and gradual.

Good luck. Depression is a beast.

Phoenixwmn

I'd like to offer you something I believe would be of enormous help to you. I'm on Anastrozole & quickly developed a major depression not long after starting it. We could write some of that depression off as being a post-op phenomenon ( I'm a retired RN & understand this clinically, at least) but the depression was SO deep & pervasive; I just lost interest in everything, wouldn't leave the house unless for Dr appts & groceries etc. I was a mess.

After a particularly difficult night last winter, where I actually was thinking suicidal ideation, I sort of caught myself & realized what was happening to me. I didn't want to take a prescription anti-depressant so I set to work researching. Research was a major aspect of my career & I enjoy it-- but this time I was desperate to find help not for a patient but for myself.

I learned that Zinc Orotate is AH MAZ ING for depression, has many NIH studies & is mentioned in major clinical studies and abstracts as a VERY effective anti-depressant. I ordered some from Amazon---it MUST be Zinc Orotate, and no other form of Zinc....and you shouldn't take more than 10 mg per day; you can hurt your liver if you take too much. It took about 11 days of taking it and I suddenly realized I was happy & singing while doing dishes, & was amazed to acknowledge how differently I felt in such a great way, a markedly improved mood & affect. I discussed my self-treatment with both my BS & my attending Physician & they heartily approved. When you've been on it for a couple months, it's good to give yourself "vacation days" from it; taking it every other day, as example, instead of daily. This has worked beautifully for me; I still get maximum benefit from it. I'd far rather take a (safe) supplements as opposed to a pricey anti-depressant drug with long lists of side effects.

I urge you to get some & try it. Just make sure it's Zinc Orotate and no stronger than 10 mg. Of COURSE check with your Dr to make sure it's not contraindicated with any meds you already take, but I have to say this: It saved my life. It absolutely did.

Wishing you all the best. xoxox