Real-Life Medication Examples
Pharmacogenetic testing—also known as PGx testing—can reveal why some medicines work well for one person but not for another. If you’ve ever wondered why antidepressants, painkillers, or heart medicines affect people so differently, PGx offers the answer. In the UK, you can order a simple cheek swab to understand how your genes influence your response to medicines like fluoxetine, citalopram, amitriptyline, tramadol, or codeine—and use the results to guide your treatment with your doctor.
Why Medicines Work Differently for Everyone
Your genes play a big role in how your body breaks down or activates medicines. Some people process drugs quickly and never reach an effective dose, while others metabolise them so slowly that side effects build up. PGx testing highlights these differences so your doctor can recommend medications that are better suited to your biology.
Antidepressants and Mental Health Medication
If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without success, PGx can often explain why. For example, fluoxetine or citalopram may be broken down too quickly (or too slowly) in your system. The test shows these patterns and helps your doctor identify alternative medications or dosing strategies that could work better for you.
Painkillers Like Codeine and Tramadol
PGx also helps with pain management. For some people, codeine provides no relief because their body cannot convert it into its active compound. Tramadol and amitriptyline (often used for pain and sleep) also depend on genetic pathways that differ from person to person. PGx testing gives doctors clearer evidence for choosing painkillers that actually work—minimising side effects and wasted time.
Transcript: How PGx Can Help You: Real-Life Examples
Pharmacogenetic testing, or PGx can help explain why some medicines work better for some people than others.
Say you’ve tried two antidepressants without much success. PGx testing might show that your body breaks those medicines down too quickly—or too slowly—so they don’t work as expected.
PGx would help you choose a different medication that works in a different way, based on different genetic variations.
It’s the same with painkillers like codeine: for some people, it doesn’t relieve pain at all because they can’t convert the drug into its active compound.
By knowing how your genes affect these medicines, your doctor can recommend options that fit your body better—saving time, minimising side effects, and improving your treatment outcome.
FAQs About PGx for Antidepressants and Painkillers
Q: Can a DNA test help me with anxiety or depression medication?
Yes. PGx testing can show how your body processes common antidepressants like fluoxetine, citalopram, and amitriptyline. If a medicine isn’t working or is causing side effects, PGx can help your doctor select an alternative.
Q: Why do antidepressants affect people differently?
The difference often lies in how your liver enzymes (controlled by your genes) metabolise each drug. Some people break medicines down too quickly to feel the benefit, while others metabolise them slowly, leading to stronger side effects.
Q: Does PGx testing include pain medications like codeine or tramadol?
Yes. PGx testing can show whether you are able to activate codeine effectively, or whether tramadol and other pain medicines will be more suitable. This allows your doctor to make a more informed prescribing decision.
Want to know if PGx can explain your experience with antidepressants or pain medications? Order your AttoPGx test kit today and bring the results to your doctor for more personalised treatment.