Why don’t the same medications work for everyone?

Two people can have the same diagnosis and still have very different experiences with medication. Why? Because a diagnosis is only one part of the picture.

How your body responds to medication can be influenced by many factors, including your individual biology, other medications or supplements you are taking, your overall health, lifestyle, and even how quickly or slowly your body metabolizes certain medications.

Genetics are an important part of the puzzle. Some genetic differences can affect how your body processes certain medications. For some people, a medication may be broken down more quickly or slowly than expected, which can influence medication levels in the body, effectiveness, or the likelihood of certain side effects.

This is one reason a medication that works beautifully for a friend, partner, sibling, or coworker may not be the right fit for you. And that's okay. 

There isn't one medication that works perfectly for everyone. Your mental health care should be based on your symptoms, history, goals, body, and individual response to treatment. 

At Evolve Wellness, we now offer GeneSight testing, a pharmacogenomic test that looks at certain genetic factors that may influence how your body responds to commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. With a simple cheek swab, GeneSight can provide your provider with additional information to consider when making medication decisions. 

GeneSight isn't a crystal ball, and it can't guarantee which medication will work best for you. Mental health treatment is complex, and genetics are just one factor among many. Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, current medications, lifestyle, and goals alongside your GeneSight results. 

If you are tired of feeling like you are starting over every time a medication doesn't work, GeneSight testing may be worth exploring. Call our office at (410)989-2034 to learn more about GeneSight testing and whether it may be appropriate for you.