Patient Stories

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Shortly after returning from deployment in 2017, we were given notice that we had to mobilize again for hurricane relief in Florida. My stress and anxiety had already been unstable throughout the deployment and upon mobilization again, I could not seem to get my anxiety under control. I went to my military doctor to discuss the possibility of taking medication to treat my anxiety. The medication that I was initially prescribed didn’t work, even after adjusting the dose a few times. I was feeling frustrated, to say the least, and after discussing my situation with a family member, I learned about the XactMed4U™. After I was tested, that’s when things changed! My family doctor explained that XactMed4U™ test results made it clear that the medication that I had been taking was ineffective. Armed with my XactMed4U™ report, I returned to my military doctor. He reviewed the results and explained that changing my prescription would be the best course of action. I could feel a difference as soon as I switched. I am a true advocate for this test and how it can unequivocally help reduce the amount of medication trial and error. I don't feel anxious in my daily duties and I am able to give my full attention to my work, my friends and my family again. Thank you, XactMed4U™!

After I retired, I noticed that my gastric reflux was getting worse. I used to be able to take an over the counter antacid and feel fine, but that was no longer the case. With all of the free time on my hands, I decided to get to the doctor and get checked. My doctor diagnosed me with Barrett's Esophagus and started me on a standard dose of omeprazole. After weeks of taking my prescription as directed, things just got worse. So the doctor decided to slightly increase my dose to see if that helped, but it didn’t. That’s when I had my XactMed4U™ test. When my results came back, my doctor explained to me that I am a rapid metabolizer for omeprazole, along with many other medications.  That means that my enzymes are very active, breaking down some drugs before they can have any effect. Because I metabolize omeprazole in this way, I required almost 3 times the standard dose for the drug to work properly! I was not aware just how much your genes can affect the way your body processes prescribed medications, but I’m glad that my doctors have this valuable information as we move forward with my care. I’m happy to report I have my Barrett's under control and now I can enjoy my retirement!

During most of my high school years, my mother struggled with severe depression. It was difficult for me, and my entire family. In the beginning, it was a merry-go-round of doctors, therapists, and medications. It took almost three years until my mom started to feel like herself again, after lots of hard work and finally finding the right medication. So, when I went away to college and began to struggle with depression myself, I was concerned that I would face the same uphill battle that I had just witnessed. During holiday break, I shared my struggles with my mom and she told me about XactMed4U™ testing. Although drug metabolism testing was never something she was offered, she had just read about its benefits. I was immediately tested and when the results came back, I was surprised to learn that there were so many antidepressants that would not give me any benefit. My doctor reviewed the results with me and I was confidant in the medication that she prescribed.  I’m so grateful that XactMed4U™ was able to give my doctor an accurate guide for successful care, the first time. But I can’t help but wonder just how much time my family would have gotten back, if my mom had been given the same opportunity. 

In 2011 I attempted to quit smoking, and was prescribed Wellbutrin. I quickly realized that I felt “odd”, but my doctor told me to give it a few more weeks to see if the medication was working. On one specific occasion, I had my infant daughter in the car and I was on my way home from work on my way to pick up my children from the bus stop. I blacked out while driving and ran down a mailbox.  That incident was followed by unstoppable crying for the weeks on end. My doctor finally took me off the Wellbutrin, and I never thought much about that time in my life, until I was reviewing my XactMed4U™test results with my physician years later. There it was, highlighted in red…Wellbutrin. My doctor explained that Wellbutrin, and a few other medications, would not be the best choice for me since I am not able to metabolize them as intended. Wow, if only I had that information eight years ago! I am so thankful that now I have a roadmap for future doctors that I can use for my lifetime. I am a huge believer in real science and I believe this is the next big thing coming down the pipeline to help us all.