Gene Sight For Antidepressants

Curious if anyone understands the genesight test. I don't quite understand what it means to have moderate gene drug interaction. There are 5 drugs in my use a directed section. 18 in my moderate section and 1 in my significant section. Cymbalta is in my moderate section and that's what I'm currently weaning from. Is it a common thing?

Not nearly enough research to say whether these are worth pursuing or not.

 

They "boast" on their website of 7 papers printed in peer-reviewed journals. From a researchers perspective, this is nothing. If it were that close to the mark, research would be all over it.

 

Not to say that there is nothing in it, but Genesight is a company trying to sell something. It is far from a science at present in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with IUN here. There have been nearly 100 genes linked to emotional issues. Well documented but the tests may show you have one of the gene mutations but when it comes to predicting what meds to take or not to take the results are iffy at best.

Hello! New user here, but soon to be withdrawal-ee. I've been on Cymbalta for almost 10 years and I know it can't be the end all, be all for me. 

 

The reason I'm commenting is to just try and give some perspective where I can. Hi! I'm also an employee for the company that created the GeneSight test. The thing about this test, is it's not an arrow to point to the perfect medication, or even say one that will work for certain, but mainly is used to best prevent bad reactions that are gene-affiliated. It may not be a direct answer, but it's a nudge in some direction. It's certainly better than going in blind. I just got my own results back, and I'm meeting with my psychiatrist in 2 weeks (damn wait times). I will be happy to share my experience, but so far, the moderate reaction meds listed for the antidepressants contain all of my previously failed prescriptions (pre-cymbalta). I know it may not mean much as it can sound bias (I don't blame you), but Myriad (the parent company of Assurex/GeneSight) is incredibly patient-oriented and does everything they can to help. 

 

I just wanted to share my experience.  

Thanks for your input MentalHealthGal...

 

There have been talks about what you speak of. I won't beat around the bush in saying that after a lot of reading about services offered, I think there is some distance to cover before the gene methodology gives a marked effect beyond that of anti-depressent roulette, but that is not to say I am not open to people trying these methods.

 

Ray Kurzweil and Ben Goertzel said we would have immortality sorted by now!! So, we all need to learn.

 

Please do let us know what the upshot of your results are.

 

IUN

Welcome MHG

 

We have had a few members get genetic screening with mixed results. I agree with you, good potential down the road but not yet to the point of picking the best antidepressants that may work.

 

Always glad to learn more about things and look forward to adding your experiences with this to our ebook.

This is so interesting. I was very curious about this test actually but it makes sense that it's not necessarily medically significant at this point.

 

@Cmgoudy, I was looking at the sample report on their site: https://genesight.co...tropic3_0_2.pdf

It looks like all the medications should have one or multiple numbers next to them, that would then match up to the key at the bottom. 

I assume moderate just means it may or may not be an issue. Not very helpful is it? lol 

Woh... what is with that sample?

 

So you have an age-old tricyclic, an SNRI and a new kid on the block. If you were considering a tricyclic you wouldn't be looking at SNRI as you should have been there and done that... so that leaves a 10% choice of the market.

 

That is quite a bold statement.

Biggest study to date says it all;

 

"There is uncertainty about the use of GeneSight Psychotropic pharmacogenomic genetic panel to guide medication selection. It was associated with improvements in some patient outcomes, but not others. As well, our confidence in these findings is low because of limitations in the body of evidence"

 

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm...es/PMC5433545/)

 

Currently no better than trial and error. But that is not to say that it cannot improve with time.

From my best understanding, working in the biz, the test is there to help you understand what medications may work best with your body, and if any possible genetic mutations may interact with certain medications in a negative way. It looks at how your body may metabolize them, and possible negative reactions (with certain diseases and things). 

 

I am in the midst of my tapering, and so far, I feel extremely lucky. I was on Cymbalta 30mg x2 a day for almost 9 years. I went to 30mg once a day, which made me feel a little wonky for a day or two but then I felt normal again (especially after starting my new SSRI Viibryd). Now I'm on 20mg every other day (I know most say that isn't an effective route to taper, but my psychologist suggested it and only for a few days, and then stop taking cymbalta entirely). The days I don't take it the night before, I do feel a bit off and foggy, but not nearly as bad as expected. I'm SO thankful Viibryd is working for my depression and helping me balance things out while I'm saying goodbye to cymbalta. 

 

Anyway, I got my own results back and Viibryd was one of the few SSRIs on my Green-Good-To-Go list of antidepressants (no expected bad bodily reactions). So far, I feel great! It also is extremely interesting to see the details of my genes that they tested, and seeing where my lack of serotonin comes from. 

 

I agree, this type of testing has a long way to go, but it's something. If it can help avoid a possible AWFUL bodily reaction, I call that a win. I have my fingers crossed that my company is working on more and more as time goes on. I hope to get more involved in that side of things to try and give my input. 

Definitely another tool in the arsenal. I wish insurance companies would cover the cost though. I am really hlad things afre working out for you so far. Please keep us posted.

Definitely another tool in the arsenal. I wish insurance companies would cover the cost though. I am really hlad things afre working out for you so far. Please keep us posted.

100%. My job is actually doing authorizations and it's sad how little actually consider covering it. But I fight for them to cover it when they should. I'm thankful that my company, no matter the cost, works with absolutely every patient to make sure it's something they're comfortable with. I try to do my part though.  

This is encouraging to hear and I am really happy for you.

 

These things of course need to be tried... to then be funded... to then improve. Such as any research. Being in research myself, I am forever trying to find funding and it is the bane of my work!!

 

As Hat said, please keep us posted - good for us to have someone like yourself in that line of work.

 

IUN