According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse drug events (or ADEs) lead to roughly 1.3 million emergency room visits per year. Of this 1.3 million, approximately 350,000 patients need to be hospitalized every year for additional treatment following an emergency room visit.
Researchers believe that pharmacogenetic testing is an effective tool to help prevent ADEs and keep patients safe. Answered below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding pharmacogenetic testing and how it works.
Table of Contents
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What is Pharmacogenetic Testing?
Does Genetic Testing Work for Mental Health Medications?
How is Pharmacogenetic Testing used to determine the best Antidepressant?
Are there any limitations to Pharmacogenetic Testing?
Who can prescribe Pharmacogenetic Testing?
What Is Pharmacogenetic Testing?
Pharmacogenetic testing is a type of test (performed using a blood or saliva sample) that looks at specific genes and helps physicians to make patient-appropriate decisions regarding medications and dosages.
Currently, according to this report from MedlinePlus, pharmacogenetic testing is only available for a small number of medications, including the following:
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Plavix (a blood thinner)
- Antidepressants
- Epilepsy medications, including Carbamazepine
- Tamoxifen (a drug prescribed for breast cancer treatment)
- Antipsychotic medications
- ADHD medications
- Abacavir (a treatment for HIV)
- Opioids
- Statins (medications prescribed to treat high cholesterol)
- Treatments for childhood leukemia and some autoimmune disorders
Pharmacogenetics can be used to help physicians determine whether or not a specific medication will be effective, what the best dosage of that medication is for a specific patient, and whether or not that patient will experience serious side effects from the medication.
Does Genetic Testing Work for Mental Health Medications?
Pharmacogenetic testing is available for some mental health medications. This includes Xanax, which is often prescribed to people who struggle with anxiety; Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro, all of which are antidepressants; and Abilify, which is an antipsychotic prescribed to people who struggle with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette’s syndrome.
Pharmacogenetic testing for mental health medications helps to eliminate much of the guesswork that comes with prescribing antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and antipsychotics, all of which can come with intense (and sometimes dangerous) side effects. For example, some antidepressants can cause arrhythmia and delirium, according to the American Psychological Association, and some antipsychotics can cause low blood pressure, a suppressed immune system, and seizures, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.