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“I'm curious whether genetic testing could guide my medication”
A short answer
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing looks at how your genes may affect the way your body handles some medications. We offer it when your provider thinks it will help, and for many people a thorough evaluation is enough on its own. It's one piece of the picture, not a test that picks the right medication on its own.
What it can and can't tell you
Some genes affect how your body breaks down medications. For example, certain variants of the CYP2D6 or CYP2C19 genes can make it harder to break down some antidepressants, such as sertraline and venlafaxine. Results can show how certain medications are likely to affect you.
But PGx results can't diagnose a condition, and they can't tell you which medication will work. The FDA notes that genes are only one of many factors that affect how a medication works, and that most of the gene-medication pairs it lists haven't been studied for whether testing improves how people actually do. Your symptoms, history and goals still matter most.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
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This is one situation where testing may be worth discussing, alongside a careful look at your full history.
If you've tried several medicationsTesting can sometimes help explain past reactions.
If side effects are bothering youFor many people, a thorough evaluation is enough on its own. It's fine to ask whether testing would change anything in your case.
If you think medication might helpBring the results if you'd like. At-home tests generally shouldn't guide treatment decisions on their own, and your provider can talk with you about what they do and don't show.
About our PGx testingThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
Questions to ask about PGx testing
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Myth or fact? Genetic testing for medication
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1A PGx test tells you which medication will work for you.
Myth. It can show how your body may handle some medications. It can't pick the right one on its own or predict every side effect.
2Your genes are only one of many things that affect how a medication works for you.
Fact. The FDA says each person's genetic makeup is only one of many factors that affect medication levels and response.
3If my results flag a medication I take, I should stop it.
Myth. Don't change your medication based on test results alone; talk with your prescriber first. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Send your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
Testing never replaces an evaluation. We start with your symptoms, history and goals.
3Deciding together
If your provider thinks testing will help, they explain why, what it can show, and how you'll use the results. If not, they'll tell you that too.
4A simple sample
If testing is part of your plan, the sample is usually a quick cheek swab, with no needles.
5Reviewing results, then regular follow-ups
We walk through what your results mean for you, then check in regularly as your plan moves forward. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Pharmacogenetic Tests
- MedlinePlus Genetics: What is pharmacogenomics?
- FDA: Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus Genetics and the FDA Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations, checked October 25, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
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