Can a Dna Test for Medications Help You Feel Better?
If you’ve ever had side effects from medicines—things like nausea, dizziness, or fatigue—you know how disruptive they can be. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) can help explain why these reactions happen and, more importantly, help your doctor choose treatments that reduce the risk. From statins and antidepressants to painkillers like codeine or tramadol, PGx testing in the UK is making it easier to personalise prescriptions and minimise unwanted side effects.
Why Side Effects Happen
Some people metabolise medicines too slowly, causing the drug to build up in their body and trigger side effects. Others process medicines too quickly, so they never get the intended benefit. PGx testing highlights these genetic differences so doctors can avoid trial-and-error prescribing.
When Side Effects Are More Than Just Annoying
While mild side effects like nausea or dizziness may simply be uncomfortable, for certain conditions the stakes are much higher. For example, if a heart medication doesn’t work because your body breaks it down too quickly, it could put you at serious risk. PGx testing helps doctors identify these issues before they happen.
Safer Prescribing for Pain and Mental Health
PGx testing is particularly useful for pain medications and antidepressants. Some people cannot activate codeine into its active form, meaning it offers no pain relief. Others experience stronger-than-expected effects from amitriptyline or tramadol. By understanding your genetic profile, doctors can choose the right medication and dose from the start—reducing side effects and improving outcomes.
Transcript: Can PGx Help with Medication Side Effects?
If you’ve ever had side effects from a medicine—things like nausea, dizziness, or feeling zoned out—PGx testing might help.
Some people process certain medicines too slowly, so the drug builds up in their system.
Others process it too fast, so they don’t get the benefit.
For certain conditions, a side effect might be uncomfortable, but for others, like cardiac issues, a drug that doesn’t work could put you at ultra high risk.
By understanding your genetic profile, your doctor can choose medications or adjust doses to lower your chance of side effects—before you even start treatment.
It’s all about getting things right the first time, instead of trial and error.
FAQs About PGx Testing and Side Effects
Q: Can PGx testing predict side effects from antidepressants or statins?
Yes. PGx testing can show whether your body processes certain drugs too quickly or too slowly, which can help explain why side effects occur—or why a medicine doesn’t work as expected.
Q: Why doesn’t codeine work for some people?
Some people lack the enzyme needed to convert codeine into its active pain-relieving form. PGx testing can identify this, helping your doctor choose an alternative pain medication.
Q: How does PGx testing make prescribing safer?
By showing how your genes affect drug metabolism, PGx testing allows your doctor to adjust the medication or dose before you even start treatment—reducing the risk of side effects and treatment failures.
Want to lower your risk of side effects and get the most out of your prescriptions? Order your AttoPGx test kit today and discover how pharmacogenomics can make your treatment safer and more effective.