Anxiety is one of the most prevailing mental illnesses across the globe. Its effects are on millions of people. Moreover, finding the most effective treatment without the risk of addiction is also an essential long-term management approach. The pharmacogenetic test conducted by the RPh Labs PGx test kit can thus identify which medications should suit that particular individual’s genetic makeup.
In this blog, we are going to discuss a few of the most effective, non addictive anxiety medication as well as how the tested uses of pharmacogenomics can help direct treatment decisions.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and depression since they control mood pretty well. SSRIs work by increasing the concentration of serotonin in the brain. Pharmacist-based pharmacogenetic tests, like an RPh Labs PGx test kit, allow a healthcare provider to better predict the reaction a patient will have to such drugs based on knowing the individual’s genetic makeup.

Common SSRIs:

• Prozac® (Fluoxetine)
• Zoloft® (Sertraline)
• Paxil® (Paroxetine)
• Lexapro® (Escitalopram)

Benefits of SSRIs:

• Non-addictive and safe for long-term use
• Dosage will be varied for each patient as their genetic permutations differ through pgx testing to ensure minimum side effects and maximum efficacy

Potential Adverse Reactions:

• Nausea, insomnia and sexual dysfunction often improve as the body adjusts to the drugs. Pharmacogenomic testing may be used to tailor the treatment and reduce such adverse reactions

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs will work to treat the conditions of anxiety and depression by raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Personalized dosing using results from the RPh Labs PGx test kit can further optimize the effectiveness of these medications while reducing side effects.

Common SNRIs:

• Effexor XR® (Venlafaxine)
• Cymbalta® (Duloxetine)

Benefits of SNRIs:

• Dual-action on serotonin and norepinephrine to provide more all-encompassing relief of anxiety and depression.

Possible Side Effects:

• Dizziness and high blood pressure, which may be better controlled by having the treatment adjusted with pharmacogenetic tests.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers, though often linked to heart conditions, are effective in managing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety-a rapid heart rate and shaking or trembling. Pharmacogenomic testing can be used in determining potential responders to this class of treatment based on the genetic elements of the drug’s response.

Examples of Common Beta-Blockers:

• Propranolol (Inderal®)
• Atenolol (Tenormin®)

Advantages of Beta-Blockers:

• Non-addictive and effective for the attenuation of physiological symptoms of anxiety.
  

  Side Effects:

• Common Side effects: drowsiness and dizziness; these can be mitigated through individualized treatment plans formulated based on pharmacogenetic testing.

Hydroxyzine Pamoate (Vistaril)

Hydroxyzine pamoate is an anti-histaminic agent with a sedation property, which can be used to give short-term relief from anxiety. This non addictive anxiety medication can be more optimally prescribed to fit the patient’s needs through pharmacogenetic testing.g

Advantages of Hydroxyzine Pamoate:

• Quick relief for immediate anxiety; available dosing can be tailored based on pharmacogenomic testing.

Side Effects:

• Drowsiness and dry mouth, although side effects may be reduced by customizing treatment with the RPh Labs PGx test kit.

Buspirone

Buspirone is a non-addictive, which becomes especially useful during the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Much fewer side effects from this drug and it does not cause drowsiness in patients; PGx tests will ensure the most effective dose.

Advantages of Buspirone

• Fewer side effects compared to other anxiety medications.
• Very effective for long-term use, particularly when combined with tailored treatment options based on pharmacogenomic testing.

Side Effects Involve:

• Dizziness and nausea may occur; these can be managed with individualized dosing based on pharmacogenetic testing.

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant with a rapid onset of activity making it very effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Pharmacogenomic testing helps in optimizing the usage of Pregabalin and minimizing its side effects while maximizing the benefits.

Advantages of Pregabalin

• Fast-acting and non-addictive, it is one of the appropriate drugs for the sensitive patient to side effects.

Possible Side Effects:

• It causes mild dizziness and drowsiness but, with the use of pharmacogenetic tests to determine proper dosing, these can be controlled.

Gabapentin (Neurontin®)

Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that has found applicability for anxiety disorders. Like most other medications, pharmacogenomic testing enables an individual to create a tailored treatment plan best suited to managing anxiety.

Benefits of Gabapentin:

• Well-tolerated and not habit-forming, often used for anxiety, with fewer side effects than other agents.

Possible Side Effects:

• Low levels of dizziness and fatigue can be avoided by personalizing the dosage based on PGx test results

Role of Pharmacogenomic Testing in Anxiety Treatment

Such testing has increasingly become vital in the prescribing of drugs to the right patient based on their genetic composition. Through the RPh Labs PGx test kit, clinicians will have a provision to identify how the genes of the patient will react toward anxiety medication, increasing more efficient treatment with minimal side effects.

Application through the RPh Labs PGx test kit

The RPh Labs PGx test kit empowers the clinician to:

• Personalize treatments for anxiety based on genetic factors.
• Avoid drugs that tend to exhibit undesirable effects or are not potent enough.
• Optimize the dosing for higher efficacy and targeted relief of anxiety.

Conclusion

RPh Labs adheres to the concept of personalized medicine. Pharmacogenomic testing can make non addictive anxiety medication much more effective, like with the test offered in RPh Labs PGx. From SSRIs and SNRIs to one of many other forms of anxiety treatments, pharmacogenetic testing helps the healthcare professional determine the best course of treatment for you.
If you are interested in learning more about how pharmacogenomic testing may be able to tailor your treatment for anxiety, start by speaking with your healthcare provider or with our resources at RPh Labs. Solutions that address your anxiety without addiction are on the horizon, and pharmacogenetics is leading the charge.

Note: This blog is for information purposes only. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.