QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I'm 23 y/o and haven't been diagnosed as of yet. I went to the my primary care physician and explained all of my symptoms, which include most of the BPD ones, with the exception of one, self-mutilation. I've never wanted to do that. So, after telling her how I feel and that I've been full of rage and explode all the time, she prescribed Trazodone-50MG once a day. I am to return in 2 weeks for a checkup and meanwhile, wait for my evaluation appointment.
Ever since taking this, (4 days) the conditions have worsened. I don't know if that is due to the drug or events and stress increase. Can you please classify what this drug is? I know it is an antidepressant but which disorders does it help and which may it hinder? Also, is 50MG enough for someone who is distraught? I was on Paxil earlier this year for the same thing but it didn't help. I've also tried a PMS drug because I am very unreasonably violent during that time. I was also tested for thyroid (underactive) which produced normal results. My doctor never really follows up on any of these. I finally had to go in there with a letter from my husband stating how he sees me and she was like, "Ok, I guess will try this".
Thank You!
ANSWER:
Trazodone is an antidepressant that's less effective than most. Because of
it's sedating properties, it is one of the most widely prescribed sleeping
medications. The dose you were on is very small.
Unfortunately trazodone has the risk of increasing seizures. Since I believe the BPD is a
form of epilepsy (brain cells firing inappropriately and out of control), trazodone is not
a medication I like to prescribe for those with the BPD. There are many patients who do
well on it, however.
