Psychiatric Pharmacogenetic Testing 
CYP 450 Testing


Dr Frischtak offers on site Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) testing to help determine which medication may be effective for each patient. Polymorphic genes of the CYP450 family control the amount of active enzyme available to metabolize (process) many of the most common psychotropic medications. The results of Cytochrome P450 tests divide patients into four main types: poor metabolizers, normal metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, ultrarapid metabolizers. 

Dr Frischtak generally recommends Cytochrome P450 tests when initial medication treatment isn't successful, medication treatment resistant cases or when a patient has a history of significant side effects while on medication or great sensitivity to dosage changes. There are several clinical scenarios in which testing can be a very helpful tool in prescribing psychotropic medication.

The test is obtained by a cheek swab. Dr Frischtak or you will rub a cotton swab inside your cheek to retrieve a skin cell sample.