Abstract
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) stands at the heart of Precision Medicine. It combines the science of pharmacology and genomics to personalize patients' medications based on their genetic makeup. PGx can help to predict which medications may be more effective or potentially cause more adverse effects for a patient. It has the potential to improve patient outcomes by increasing the efficacy of medications and decreasing adverse drug reactions Advances in precision medicine are leading the way in many disease states including neuropsychiatric disorders that have been known to cause numerous death and disability in the United States. The usual prescribing model of trial-and-error has not been successful for everyone, and the number of individuals experiencing mental health problems has drastically increased especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth leading cause of mortality in the United States is an adverse drug reaction, which can be prevented by understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic pathways of a medication. Based on multiple Genome-Wide Association Studies, no one medication works for everyone and many may experience either the efficacy or the toxicity of some drugs. PGx plays an important role in different disciplines of medicine including cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, and psychiatry; but the field with the most evidence-based is found in oncology and psychiatry. A more efficient method of improving the efficacy of neuropsychiatric medications with the potential for less adverse events is very much needed. The proposed benefits and barriers to the adoption of PGx will be discussed here, along with the role of pharmacists in this emerging field.