Comments on: CYP Enzymes & Medication Explained

By: sleightofhand@live.co.uk sleightofhand@live.co.uk

sleightofhand@live.co.uk sleightofhand@live.co.uk — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 09:02:28 +0000

Hi, how can I find out if a drug is active in itself or if it is converted by the CYP enzymes into the active form… what about sodium valproate?

By: steven collins

steven collins — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:42:29 +0000

Hi, I take 3 tablespoons Of flax and Chia every morning. This contains a lot of ALA, but it’s not helping my EPA and DHA because the body processes it inefficiently. Can I safely take a CYP enzyme supplement to facilitate my body processing the the ALA I take?
Thanks

By: CJ

CJ — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:27:58 +0000

I have ADD/ADHD which uses stimulant medication (amphetamine) to correct. CYP2D6 is referred to as the main metabolizer for amphetamine. I personally am not responding at all to amphetamine. It either has no effect, or it causes fatigue. The higher the dose (or using a particularly strong type, like pure dextroamphetamine) the harder the fatigue, and the quicker it sets in. Similarly, caffeine also causes tiredness, and the higher the caffeine content (large starbucks) the quicker and harder I start crashing immediately. CYP1A2 is referred to as the main metabolizer for caffeine. After gene testing, I am a “normal (extensive) metabolizer” for CYP2D6, but an “ultra rapid metabolizer” for CYP1A2. Is there cross-over between CYP’s? Does CYP1A2 process some amphetamine, even though CYP2D6 is what is credited as the metabolizing enzyme for amphetamine? And if so, when CYP1A2 quickly metabolizes amphetamine (which has not been confirmed) does that mean it will burn a lot more because it is “ultra rapid”, meaning even less goes through the CYP2D6? I’ve been seeing so many doctors, all who have no answers on why I get sleepy on various stimulants which work on everyone else. My reaction to stimulants and caffeine are similar, even though they are handled by two different enzymes. Assuming that the “ultra rapid metabolizing” CYP1A2 does factor in, is there a way to make “ultra rapid metabolizing” corrected to be “normal”? Additionally, when given injections at the dentist, it takes about twice as much Articaine (similar to novocaine) before I am numb which surprises the dentist, so that may also factor into the CYP question. Thank you

By: Kristi

Kristi — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 01:28:32 +0000

I am cyp2d6 and was found to be Coumadin resistant, so what cyp would I need since I am intermediate on the rest to get medication out of my system?

By: Biljana N

Biljana N — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:56:30 +0000

In reply to leaana hyde.

You can read our CYP2D6 article for more information: https://selfhacked.com/blog/cyp2d6/

By: Biljana N

Biljana N — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:54:30 +0000

In reply to Jason.

Hi Jason.

This is a somewhat complex issue. It’s explained in more detail in our detoxification post: https://selfhacked.com/blog/the-science-of-detoxification/

You are probably homozygous for a CYP1B1 variant. So the activity would depend on the variant. You can learn more about particular variants here: https://selfhacked.com/blog/cyp1b1/

By: leaana hyde

leaana hyde — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:05:24 +0000

I am trying to get all the info possible on cyp2d6 defect. Do I need to be concerned with more than opoids have 0 effect on me.How does this effect other areas of my life?

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:16:31 +0000

Hi,

Great informative article, but this is still unclear to me and a bit contradictory too.
CYP enzymes:

GOOD
You say:
“Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) are enzymes that help with the removal of most of the drugs and toxins from the human body (R).
They are responsible for the so-called Phase I of the detox process.
For example, CYPs process cancer-causing agents (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs, aromatic amines, heterocyclic amines), pesticides, herbicides, and the vast majority of clinical drugs (R).”

BAD
You say:
“CYP activity can cause damage to DNA, leading to cancer (R). That is why elevated Phase I activity is not necessarily a good thing. As Phase I enzymes produce toxic and cancer-causing compounds, you want them to be in balance with Phase II enzymes.
Many health-boosting supplements and herbs actually decrease CYP activity, and thereby reduce the activation of cancer-causing agents (R).”

2 questions:
1. What to do; decrease or increase CYP activity?
2. And what does a homozygous gene expression (+/+) means in terms of activity of the CYP gene?
For example, I am homozygous +/+ for CYP1B1. Does this mean that I have an increased or decreased activity of CYP1B1?

Thanks for any insights.