Wrong!

Pharmacogenetic testing can help inform the safe use of over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen) and proton pump inhibitors (lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole). PGx testing can also tell you about risks with a common cold remedy: dextromethorphan. Also known as “DM” and “DXM”, dextromethorphan is in Delsym, Mucinex DM, Robitussin DM and a lot of other combination cough, cold and flu products.

If you are a poor metabolizer for CYP2D6, you are at an increased risk for side effects from this drug, such as feeling like your head is floating up high on balloon. If you are a normal metabolizer but take medications that either affect serotonin or inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, such as sertraline, fluoxetine or paroxetine, duloxetine and bupropion, then taking dextromethorphan increases the risk for you to develop serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs from having too much serotonin and can cause you to have altered mental status, tremors, sweating and GI upset among other symptoms. Serotonin syndrome can be serious and fatal.

Always be cautious with OTC medications and consider having a pharmacogenetic test. OTC ≠ safe!!