Tag: Addiction

WHY DO YOU — USE OLD DRUGS? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHY DO YOU — USE OLD DRUGS? Question: I showed my psychiatrist your medication plan for borderlines like me.  He said you are using old drugs to treat the BPD when we now have much better newer drugs.  He was very adamant that you were wrong to use these older drugs. Dr. Heller’s Answer: The most important reason is many “older medications” is that they work, and they work far better than any of the newer medications.  It helps of course that 30 pills of Prozac (fluoxetine) 20mg or 40mg costs $4 a month, that 30 Tegretol (carbamazepine) 200mg pills costs $4 a month and that Haldol (haloperidol) also costs $4 per month.  This has made BPD treatment much more cost effective and manageable. I often give 6 days of Zyprexa (olanzapine) 5-10 to start treatment.  This is a newer medication that costs ~ $12 per pill.  If a patient needs a long term antipsychotic, I’ll use the newer medication Abilify (aripiprazole) which costs ~ $33 per pill. Risperdal (risperidone) 3mg just went generic, but remains a remarkable medication for the BPD.  No matter how severe the dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair), borderlines already taking Prozac (fluoxetine) and Tegretol (carbamazepine) will always respond 24 hours later with the Risperdal. If the patient is allergic to Tegretol (carbamazepine), I will try Depakote (valproic acid or valproate) first, Topamax (topiramate) second and Lamictal (lamotrigine) third.  Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Depakote (valproic acid or valproate) are “old” drugs, while Topamax and Lamictal are “newer drugs.” If Prozac (fluoxetine) makes the individual worse, the cognitive generalized anxiety disorder is usually the problem and BuSpar (buspirone) needs to be used so that Prozac (fluoxetine) doesn’t worsen the GAD.  If truly unbearable side effects occur from Prozac (fluoxetine) such as a rash, I’ll usually use high doses of relatively older drug Effexor (venlafaxine) or the new Effexor (venlafaxine) derivative Pristiq (desvenlafaxine).  BuSpar (buspirone) is an “old drug” that costs approximately $12 per month. The “older drugs” Wellbutrin (buproprion) and lithium are rarely effective for the BPD.  The older antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine) is useful for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), which can sometimes be worsened by BuSpar (buspirone) and for severe sleep problems. Some of the other newer, and very expensive medications, just don’t work as well for most individuals with the BPD.  They include the antidepressants Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram), and the mood stabilizers Topamax (topiramate), Keppra (levetiracetam), and Lamictal (lamotrigine).  Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) have been ineffective, although the newer drug Seroquel (quetiapine) can help for severe sleep problems. I prefer the newer forms of the “old” medications for ADHD because they are more long lasting and easier to use.  In children I prefer the methylphenidate molecule (a.k.a. “Ritalin).  If finances are a concern generic Ritalin is used, otherwise I prefer the newer delivery systems and “isomers” such as Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana.  In adolescents and adults I prefer the dexedrine molecule (usually prescribed as “Adderall.”   I greatly prefer to new form Vyvanse because of its lower addiction and abuse potential.  Sometimes Adderall XR or generic Adderall is necessary.  The newer drug for ADHD, Strattera (atomoxetine), has been disappointing.  When it works it lasts 24 hours and it’s not addicting.  In my experience it only works ~20% of the time, makes many people irritable or hostile, and it’s expensive (~$300 per month). As you can see I use a mix of older and newer medications.  I want to use the most effective medications, particularly if they are now inexpensive.  The same philosophy is in all areas of medication including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, heart failure, etc.  When possible we use older, less expensive medications with good track records in the literature, saving the newer more expensive medications for conditions where older, less expensive, and equally effective medication options are not available. The longer the drug has been on the market the more information we have about the safety and potential risks.  Newer drugs haven’t had the time for this information to be compiled.  For this reason, many physicians like to wait one to two years prior to trying a new drug. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY DAUGHTER WITH BPD AND ALCOHOLISM? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY DAUGHTER WITH BPD AND ALCOHOLISM? Question: Dear Dr. Heller, We are parents of an adult child (25) that we feel definitely exhibits the symptoms of BPD. We have been trying to educate ourselves and seeking out support groups in our geographic area (Cleveland, Ohio).  We really do not know of a specific incident, traumatic event, environmental cause, or any other major event in our daughter’s life that would contribute to her BPD personality disorder.  I am only able think of the ADD association that may have triggered this or a biological predisposition. The problem of dealing effectively with BPD is also being compounded by a severe alcohol addiction.  I think the biggest problem we are having is trying to react to both of these issues and trying to be helpful and not hurtful but realizing with the alcohol constantly present we are not even able to address the issues of BPD. We have been seeing a alcohol counselor, have attended family sessions associated with 3 different rehabilitation facilities, go to Alanon meetings, devouring any information we can on BPD and we still aren’t sure how to handle the “big picture” as we keep being told that you must get rid of the alcohol addiction before you can possibly treat the mental disorder.  We are finding that rather contradictory since the alcohol addiction information seems to make us want to let her figure it out on her own and not enable, but the message to help with BPD seems to be get involved more in helping them. We are looking for any information that could help us to be instrumental in her seeking help.  I do not think she has ever continued on any course long enough to have it be of any help to her.  I know this is another problem in the world of BPD and I don’t know how we could help with this. I’m sure I am just hitting the tip of the iceberg but I guess to sum it up , we are looking for help and direction to help her and ourselves. We would appreciate any input you may have. P.S.: I apologize for the rather unorganized fashion in which I presented my information and insights.  I guess my confusion on this matter has definitely invaded my own usually organized thought processes.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully responding. Dr. Heller’s Answer: Many addiction specialists advise treating the substance problems first and then the BPD.  I disagree very strongly because most treat their BPD symptoms with something that works for their dysphoria, no matter how self-destructive.  I’ve treated countless borderlines who failed AA and treatment programs for this reason.  Treating the BPD is no guarantee that the alcoholic will stop drinking, but it dramatically improves their chances.  Making all the medically treatable diagnoses and treating them comprehensively remains crucial, that’s why I always have my patients do the screening test: (http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/screen.htm). Getting an individual with the BPD to seek help is virtually always a challenge.  It helps to understand that they are hurting and that the disease it not their fault.  This is often of help: http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/AskDoc/q1.htm). 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN BPD AND FIBROMYALGIA? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN BPD AND FIBROMYALGIA? Question: Hi, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 3 years ago and I am only 21.  I understand that it is a very loosely defined condition.  I stumbled onto your website after my third night of not sleeping and feeling manic.  I have many symptoms of BPD and I was wondering if you think there is a connection between fibromyalgia and this illness.  If so, what kind of treatment would you suggest?  I have been taking Zoloft and Valium for depression and anxiety; hydrocodone for pain.  I’m beginning to feel out of touch and more anxious than ever.  Thank you so much. Dr. Heller’s Answer: I treat many patients with fibromyalgia.  It’s virtually always a combination of 5 things: 1) The cognitive generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).  This genetic anxiety disorder causes constant worry, anxiety, and tense muscles.  It’s treated with BuSpar (buspirone).  Benzodiazepine medications like Valium help slightly but not that well. 2) Depression.  Whether the depression was there before, during or after the fibromyalgia doesn’t matter.  All SSRI medications including Zoloft (sertraline) can make the GAD worse.  Pretreatment with BuSpar (buspirone) makes all the difference.  If BuSpar causes significant anxiety, Remeron (mirtazapine) needs to be taken for a few months. 3) Poor posture.  Chest out, shoulders back, stomach in.  Americans have terrible posture and it puts the spine out of alignment.  Once you’ve lost your posture it’s hard to get it back because it hurts.  Wearing a posture support for an hour four times daily will make a huge difference.  Physical therapy helps as well. 4) Muscle Spasm.  Muscle cramps hurt and they block the flow of blood into the muscles.  Muscles need energy to relax, not contract.  That’s why dead animals have “rigor mortis.” The blood flow needs to be increased and the causes treated.  Muscle relaxants aren’t great.  I usually prescribe Skelaxin.  Soma (carisoprodol) has addiction and abuse problems.  Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) can be dangerous if taken with an SSRI antidepressant.  Massage and moist heat are excellent choices.  Anger and anxiety cause muscle cramps and spasm. 5) Pinched nerves.  Many nerves pass through muscles.  When the muscle is in spasm, the nerves get pinched creating a painful sensation, usually burning.  It feels like hitting your funny bone. Once the other 4 are treated I’ll usually prescribe a rapidly tapering course of steroid medication (prednisone, Medrol dose pack, etc.) every 3 months if needed.  It works very quickly and effectively.  Traditional anti-inflammatories like Advil (ibuprofen) or Vioxx don’t work well for nerve pain. The BPD causes depression, anxiety, and anger – all of which contribute to the muscle spasm and the pain of fibromyalgia.  Benzodiazepine medications like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, etc., can worsen the severity of self-destructive behaviors when an individual with BPD experiences dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair).  When someone with BPD also has the cognitive generalized anxiety disorder and takes an SSRI medication like Zoloft (sertraline) before taking BuSpar (buspirone), it will increase anxiety.  Increasing a borderline’s anxiety usually makes their overall condition worse with for frequent and severe dysphoria.  The worsening dysphoria can cause dissociative symptoms like deja vu and unreality, which may explain your feeling “out of touch.” 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR MY SON’S MARIJUANA ADDICTION? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR MY SON’S MARIJUANA ADDICTION? Question: Hello, my name is Cathy and I have a 20 year old son who has been struggling with marijuana addiction.  He is in college and has many negative encounters associated with this drug, although he fails to see the necessity of quitting.  He has tried in the past to no avail, and he is presently seeing the school counselor, but has missed several appoints due to various reasons.  He says he is on a plan to slowly cut down and then quit, but I am very apprehensive about this, probably because we have been struggling with this for nearing 8 years.  I have tried my best, but do realize it is up to him.  He says that his mind races and that this calms him down, that he gets anxious when he doesn’t smoke pot and that he is in fact self medicating.  What steps can we take to help him?  Please respond.  I don’t know what more to do! Dr. Heller’s Answer: You identified the problem – he’s self medicating his anxiety disorder(s).  Marijuana “helps” many anxious people feel better, at a price. He needs to get his anxiety problems diagnosed and treated.  The screening test I use for my patients may be helpful, it can be found at http://pks.947.myftpupload.com/screen.htm 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)

I’M A MESS–IS THERE ANY HOPE? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness I’M A MESS–IS THERE ANY HOPE? Question: My current psychiatrist has me on Paxil and Klonopin.  I am taking Atenolol 100 mg. which was started by a Cardiologist three years after going to his office for what I though was heart problems and turned out to be anxiety.  I am not better.  I am frequently out of control and spending much time doing damage control.  My psychiatrist does not really listen to me.  Just writes the same old prescriptions and says see you in a month.  He also has made two dosage mistakes on my prescriptions in as many months.  I don’t like him, but my psychologist wants me to continue to see him. I tried to find a new psychiatrist but one said I’m not taking on new patients and hung up on me.  The second was very nice but insists on doing both med. mgt. and therapy, which I think is great, but his schedule is too full to see me.  He did have a consultation with my psychologist and said I was the most severe BPD he has seen.  He spoke to my psychologist regarding suggestions on how to treat me.  This psychiatrist also said I would be hard pressed to find another psychologist who could see me twice a week like mine does currently and suggested I stay with him. My psychologist, after I freaked out at a Carpal Tunnel Surgery two weeks ago, told the surgeon that I was a manipulator.  I honest to God have no recollection of what was said or what I did.  But I apparently asked for them to give me enough drugs to kill me.  My psychologist wanted me in a long-term facility.  Mentioned that I should probably go off my meds because they’re not working.  I immediately sent him your articles about the counter-productive affect long-term hospitalization would would have on BPD pt.  I also sent him your articles about Prozac.  I also sent him an article about mental health care providers calling BPD’s manipulative.  My psychologist saw me three times a week in the beginning, made phone sessions on the weekend and called me when he was on vacation.  As time went on, he began to realize my dependence on him and cut out vacation calls, then cut out phone sessions, then said I could not call his office at all unless it was to cancel or reschedule an appointment and he would not speak to me except in his office.  I wonder why he thinks I’m (a BPD suffer) is feeling abandoned.  I do have to say he has put up with a lot of junk from me over the years.  But after this last out of control spell he is making a contract that I will have to sign with all kinds of strict guidelines and necessary structure.  If I commit a sin against one of those commandments, I’m out. I now feel as though I can’t say what I feel, I’ll do the wrong thing, make an unnecessary phone call unknowingly (severe dissociation).  I feel as though his office is not a safe haven anymore.  I feel like I’m being asked to walk a tight rope while blind folded.  I feel like a toddler who is being potty-trained and has his first pair of underwear on and was told that one accident and I’ll be given away.  I’ve written these feelings to him.  I’m waiting for the “stop writing me clause”. I cry all the time, I think about suicide all the time, I feel cornered, abandoned by the one person who gave me unlimited support for three years.  He now treats me, I feel harsh.  He said it’s providing structure.  It hurts my feelings.  When I called and insisted on talking to him, he got on the phone and said I was harassing his staff and he had nothing to say to me and he’d see me at the next appointment and hung up on me.  I didn’t say one word.  He didn’t even know why I called.  I feel like I don’t have his support anymore.  I don’t have family support, I’m just lazy, like to sleep, make my life what it is all by myself, made my bed now lie in it, etc., etc., etc. The only thing that has kept me alive this week was finding your articles on the Internet this week.  I’m sending them to my doctors hoping they’ll begin to treat my disorder correctly, both with medicine and therapy.  But what do I know, I’m just a half wit with a mental illness who can’t make decisions for myself, let alone for them.  I’m scared to death to see this contract. I cry as I write this to you, I’m suicidal as I write this to you and I have no hope as I write this to you.  I just printed the page that has your tape available for sale on BPD.  I’m going to send away for it ASAP.  I have all the BPD disorders, OCD, Self-Injury, addiction to pain killers (which started after given them after my last surgery).  I’m a 42 year old mess who fears my tomb stone will read Born 1961 – Departed 2003. PLEASE HELP ME!  WHAT SHOULD I DO?  I NEED YOUR OPINION! THE SECOND OPINION I LOOK FOR WILL BE FROM DR.  KAVORKIAN! Dr. Heller’s Answer: In my opinion, the BPD is a medical disorder of the “trapped, cornered, wounded animal” part of the brain’s limbic system.  The right medications will have an enormous impact on you.  The combination of Prozac (fluoxetine) followed a week later by Tegretol (carbamazepine) should make a huge difference, especially since you were described as “severe.” Treating spells of dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair) with as needed medication instead self-destructive behaviors will make a huge difference in your life. It’s likely the Klonopin is worsening the severity of your episodes of losing control of your behavior.  You need to find out if you have the cognitive generalized anxiety disorder that will also need treatment with BuSpar (buspirone). There are medical literature articles backing up this medication approach. It appears you have been through a great deal of misery and it’s immensely important that you realize it’s not your fault and you do have a chance at a good life once the medications are right. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home   Video DVDs now available!   You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind.  By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery.  “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World.    Dr. Leland Heller  Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E • Okeechobee, FL  34972 • 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved.  May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness™, BiologicalUnhappiness.com™, & Dyslimbia Press™ are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)