Elavil, Mellaril, and Xanax

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

I have been diagnosed with BPD and my doctor is a county psychiatrist and rarely has time to answer any questions. I was wondering if there will ever be a time when I won't have to take medication? I have been taking the same meds for 5 years and I'm beginning to wonder if my doc pays attention at all. I take Elavil, Mellaril, and Xanax. It's the Xanax that I am concerned about taking for so long.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

From my perspective all three are dangerous long term, but the Mellaril is the most dangerous due to the possible development of permanent neurological damage over time. All three have their dangers in the BPD, Xanax for causing more behavioral "dyscontrol" and Elavil for causing paranoid and assaultive behavior and other problems - particularly weight gain.

next: Revia or Lamictal for BPD and Self-Injury? ~ back to: Borderline Personality Disorder FAQs Table of Contents