would like to know whether a Blood Test will be able to determine which is
the best antidepressant suitable for me by the Doctor.
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Q: Can a Blood Test show which is the right Antidepressant that can be taken and what is that Test.
Answers (2)
9/11/09 12:23pm
Yes, the previous answer hit the nail on the head. All I would add is the only possible function a blood test can have with depression is to show whether any deficiencies associated with depression might exist (thyroid, folic acid, etc). Your symptoms, your current and previous medical history, will all determine what your doctor will try. Sometimes this may be a single drug and sometimes a combination. But stay in contact with your doctor and monitor how you feel. This feedback will determine whether your dosage, or indeed your drugs, will be modified.
9/13/09 6:50am
Ah, I see! It certainly looks interesting and potentially useful. I have to confess this is news to me. I haven't come across the test yet so I guess it must be going through trials in certain areas. I'll keep an eye out for this. Thanks for the additional info and the link.
9/13/09 11:27pm
May I ask about your background and why you are on this site? You might say I spent 20 years speaking to audiances with a wide range of aptitudes and abilities. It helps me
to know something about the people with whom I communicate.
I hope to get an appointment with my doctor this week. I hope he can give me some advice on how to really learn something about this test. That brief article was sort of like smelling your neighbor's Christmas dinner through the window, just enough information to get your attention, but no real substance. They did not even tell us what type of institution could conduct the test. I hope one does not have to subscribe to a particular medical journal to follow up.
9/14/09 3:58am
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9/11/09 10:51am
Ovcal, I have never heard of such a test and I don't believe one exists or all of us on antidepressants would have been given one by now! Unfortunately, the doctor has to make an assessment of your symptoms and your medical history before deciding which antidepressant should be tried. Then, please know that it's a matter of trial and error as to dosage and even the type of medication; it's not unusual to have to try more than one drug before finding one that is effective and each one can take 6 - 8 weeks to "kick in." I hope this isn't too discouraging!
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Staying in contact with a good doctor is always good advice. I was going to a doctor who really seemed to know his stuff. However, I visited the website of the mfg. of one of my meds and found out that my dr. was mistaken about the speed of absorption.
As to the possibility of a "blood test", I found this:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cyp450-test/MY00135
I know nothing more that the info. on the webpage