Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.
Relevant genes: CYP2D6
Gene2Rx covers this medication using the same CPIC and FDA guidelines GeneSight uses, costs $5-$49 instead of several hundred, and works with your existing 23andMe data.
adzenys ER is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2D6 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes adzenys ER, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Moderate, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.
Published guidance from FDA on how amphetamine should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2D6 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ultrarapid Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body processes amphetamine faster than most people, but there is no specific FDA guidance for your genotype. The standard dose is typically used. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Normal Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body processes amphetamine at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Intermediate Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body processes amphetamine slightly slower than average, but there is no specific FDA guidance for your genotype. The standard dose is typically used. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Poor Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body breaks down amphetamine much more slowly than normal, which may cause the drug to build up and increase your risk of side effects. A lower dose or a different medication may be needed. |
FDA
Consider a lower starting dose or an alternative medication due to increased risk of side effects.
|
Moderate |
|
Indeterminate
CYP2D6
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Not available
CYP2D6
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
Source: FDA
CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent of people are poor metabolizers (they barely activate CYP2D6), and another 1 to 3 percent are ultrarapid metabolizers (their enzyme is overactive).
For most CYP2D6 drugs, poor metabolizers feel stronger effects and more side effects at standard doses, while ultrarapid metabolizers may feel almost nothing. For prodrugs like codeine, the relationship flips: poor metabolizers feel less effect because they can't activate the drug.
This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.
Get your report Look up another medicationInformational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.