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Pharmacogenetic testing involves analyzing certain genes that influence how your body metabolizes and responds to medications. These genetic variations can affect how well a drug works or if it may cause side effects. By understanding these genetic variations, healthcare providers can prescribe medications in a way that is most likely to be effective and least likely to cause adverse reactions.
In mental health, this is particularly important. Many psychotropic medications are metabolized by enzymes in the liver, and genetic variations can significantly impact the levels of these medications in the body. For instance, a person with a variation that causes slow metabolism might experience side effects at lower doses, while a fast metabolizer might not respond adequately to typical doses.
Pharmacogenetic testing provides insights into these genetic factors, helping healthcare providers make more informed decisions about medication types and dosages. This could lead to a more effective treatment response and fewer side effects, ultimately enhancing the individual’s quality of life.
In terms of repeat testing, pharmacogenetics is usually a one-time test, as your genes do not change over time. However, re-analysis or additional testing might be beneficial if new genes or drug-gene interactions are discovered, or if a person is prescribed a new medication not previously considered.
In summary, pharmacogenetic testing is a powerful tool in the personalization of drug therapy. It brings us closer to the goal of ‘precision medicine’ – providing the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time. As with all medical interventions, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in pharmacogenetics to ensure accurate interpretation and application of test results.
NTX uses pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing along with input you provide through an easy-to-use app to create a personalized mental health treatment plan for you. The combination of PGx testing and these standard patient questionnaires can help assess the effectiveness of your mental health treatment plan so that adjustments can be made.
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing provides information on how your genes may affect the way your body responds to certain medications. This information can then be used by your clinician to help create a treatment plan for you based on your unique DNA. PGx testing can help your clinician determine how your body may metabolize certain medications and how you may experience certain side effects from certain medications. This information can be used as a factor to help your clinician decide which medication to use and at what dose this medication should be prescribed. PGx testing can be used in several areas of medicine such as oncology, gastroenterology and psychiatry[1]. In psychiatry, PGx testing can be used to inform the treatment plan for patients experiencing depression, ADHD and other mental health conditions.c
NTX uses the Tempus genetic test. Tempus is an advanced genetic testing tool that is used to personalize mental health treatment plans. The Tempus genetic test gives your clinician evidence based gene-drug interactions based on guidelines from the FDA, Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium, PharmGKB, and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group. With this test, NTX can understand how your body may respond to certain medications in order to create a personalized treatment plan that is specific to your DNA makeup. Tempus genetic testing can save you trial and error when it comes to getting the relief you need.
The Tempus genetic test sample can be provided in one of two ways:
Tempus will also be available as a resource to answer any questions you may have about the sample collection and testing process so that your test results can be promptly shared with your clinician.
Capturing your progress is a critical part of your provider’s ability to personalize your treatment plan. NTX uses Tempus PRO™, a mobile app, to help collect this information and personalize your care. With Tempus PRO™, you and your provider can track your progress – even between appointments. The insights provided through Tempus PROTM empower your provider to build a treatment plan that best supports your mental healthcare.
You can easily keep track of your own progress through Tempus PRO™:
Simple, interactive assessments selected by your clinician
Reminders to check-in and log any side effects, progress, and your overall well-being
The ability to integrate with your smartphone’s fitness tracker
Look for an SMS text message or email from Tempus to download the app from the App store* and get started.
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