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Why Some Bipolar Medications Work Better for Some People
Bipolar disorder is one of the most complex mental health conditions to treat. It often requires a long-term combination of medications, therapy, and careful monitoring. But for many patients, the biggest hurdle is not access to care—it’s finding a medication plan that actually works.
It’s not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to try multiple prescriptions before finding one that helps stabilize their mood without overwhelming side effects. This process is often described as frustrating, discouraging, or even disheartening.
What’s often missing from the conversation is the influence of genetics. At BloomDNA®, we help patients and their providers understand how a person’s unique genetic profile can impact which bipolar medications are likely to help—and which may cause complications.
Your Genes Influence How Medications Work
Medications do not work the same way in every body. Even when two people are given the same diagnosis and prescription, their outcomes can be very different. That’s because the way a drug is processed and how it interacts with brain chemistry is partly shaped by genetic factors.
For bipolar disorder, this means the way your body metabolizes mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can significantly affect their effectiveness and safety.
Common Genetic Factors That Impact Bipolar Medications
At BloomDNA®, our pharmacogenetic testing looks at how your DNA may influence response to over 300 medications. For bipolar care, several gene pathways are especially relevant:
- CYP2D6 and CYP3A4: These liver enzymes metabolize many antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. If you metabolize too quickly or too slowly, the dose may not be appropriate for your system.
- UGT1A4: This gene affects the clearance of lamotrigine, a widely used medication for bipolar depression.
- HTR2A and SLC6A4: These impact serotonin signaling and may help explain how your body responds to antidepressants, which are sometimes cautiously used in bipolar II.
Understanding these factors can help your provider tailor your treatment plan, reducing the risk of adverse effects or unnecessary delays in care.
A Shift from Trial and Error to Precision
Historically, psychiatric medication decisions have relied on symptom patterns, medical history, and provider experience. While these are essential, they don’t always explain why a medication helps one person but not another.
Pharmacogenetic testing adds a new layer of clarity. With just one test, BloomDNA® gives your provider a detailed report that outlines:
- Which medications may be more or less effective based on your genetic profile
- Whether you are likely to need a higher or lower dose than average
- Where to exercise caution due to increased risk of side effects
- This approach brings biology into the conversation and replaces guesswork with insight.
Real-Life Impacts for Bipolar Patients
Imagine starting treatment with information about which medications your body is most likely to tolerate. Or understanding in advance why a past treatment didn’t work, instead of wondering if you just didn’t give it enough time.
Patients with bipolar disorder often face unique challenges in adherence and side effect management. The better the initial match between patient and medication, the more likely it is that treatment will stick.
What BloomDNA® Delivers
Our test is designed for clinical use, processed in a certified U.S. laboratory, and reviewed for accuracy. Every patient receives:
- A comprehensive review of 300+ medications
- Bipolar-specific insights are built into the report
- A document that is ready for use by psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other providers
- Lifelong value—the test only needs to be taken once, and the results remain relevant
A More Informed Start to Treatment’
Bipolar disorder requires care that is flexible, personalized, and responsive. BloomDNA® helps deliver that by giving your provider the tools to make smarter, safer choices from day one.
Discover how BloomDNA® can support safer, more effective bipolar care.