Other substances

Other substances and pharmacogenetics

Also known as: Recreational substances, Non-prescription substances

7 medications 3 brand products CYP2D6CYP1A2ALDH2

Why pharmacogenetics matter for other substances

Pharmacogenetic effects on caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and several psychedelic compounds. The genes here (CYP1A2, ADH1B, ALDH2, CYP2A6, CYP2D6, COMT, FAAH) shape how strongly someone feels these substances and, in some cases, the addiction or adverse-event risk associated with them.

These are broad lifestyle and harm-reduction insights more than dose-adjustment recommendations.

Key genes in this class

CYP2D6

Cytochrome P450 2D6

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 …

CYP1A2

Cytochrome P450 1A2

CYP1A2 is the liver enzyme that clears caffeine, clozapine, and a handful of other drugs. Its activity is shaped by both genetics and lifestyle (smoking speeds it up, certain foods …

ALDH2

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2

ALDH2 clears acetaldehyde, the toxic metabolite produced when your body breaks down alcohol. The ALDH2*2 variant (rs671) produces an almost completely inactive enzyme, and is present in about 30 to …

Medications in this class with pharmacogenetic guidelines

Each link goes to the drug's full pharmacogenetics page with CPIC and FDA phenotype recommendations.

Alcohol ADH1B / ALDH2 Caffeine CYP1A2 Ketamine CYP2B6 Lsd CYP2D6 MDMA COMT / CYP2D6 Nicotine CHRNA5 / COMT / CYP2A6 THC AKT1 / COMT / CYP2C9 / FAAH

Brand products in the Other substances class

Combined products and brand names for the medications above. Each links to a pharmacogenetic breakdown.

Excedrin

acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine

Fioricet

butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine

Fiorinal

butalbital, aspirin, caffeine

Which other substances is right for your genetics?

This page covers the pharmacogenetics of other substances in general. A Gene2Rx report tells you how your personal genotype interacts with every drug on this page.

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Informational only, not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidelines describe population-level patterns that inform prescribing decisions. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.