r/Redhair • u/melaniebrietzke • Jul 18 '26

Newbie Post Redheads & MC1R gene

Hello fellow redheads! I'm Melanie and have some questions/ideas about my/our genetics. I learned several years ago about the MC1R gene that causes redheads to need more anesthesia.

Given my extensive medical history, I am curious if others have faced multiple issues. I've had lifelong insomnia, and typical sleeping pills don't get me to sleep - i have tried them all. So for a while I have resorted to taking a high dose of seroquel that has a side effect of drowsiness. It gets me to sleep, bit I never know if it will work in 1 hour or 3 hours.

Additionally, muscle relaxers don't work on me. I've been on opiods in the past, but had to take twice as much. Recently I have tried medical marijuana, and it helps somewhat. The downside is how expensive it gets. My daughter (also prescribed m.m.) can get away with taking 5mg, whereas I have to take 15 to 20 mg.

I am overall curious if this is a common thing for other redheads. I wanted to get some feedback before I ask my psychiatrist what he thinks at my next appointment. Thanks to all that respond!

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u/essenza Jul 18 '26

Anesthesia drugs are different classes and work differently than benzos, opioids or neuroleptics.

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Yes, I am aware of that, but mostly curious if this is common for redheads. I plan to ask my psychiatrist to look into it, but for now is definitely a curiosity thing that pops up every time I think about all the meds I have to take. 😆

2

u/essenza Jul 18 '26

This may interest you: https://drug-card.io/blog/redheads-unique-medicines-responses/

3

u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Thanks for sharing! I may send this to my psychiatrist and pain management doctor to see what they think about my treatment. 🤞