Dysphoria Instruction Sheet

People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience "dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair)...at times, as well as...suicidal thoughts, self destructive impulses, or stress related symptoms."

Dr. Leland Heller in Florida treats those with the BPD. I went out to visit him several years ago and was given this instruction sheet which I lazily did not follow. Just recently however in dealing with dysphoria I got some haldol and discussed this plan with my psychiatrist. We agreed to try it.

Most of the time, remarkably this plan has worked for me! I've been on the verge of, or in dysphoria and the haldol has brought me out of the episode completely. I had to share this plan with you and received permission from Dr. Heller to post it.

His instruction sheet that he gives to his patients include the following:

"Haldol (haloperidol) -

Haldol 1-2mg. If it doesn't work, repeat the dose 10-15 minutes later - don't take more than 4mg in an hour. If 4mg of Haldol doesn't work, go on to the next step below. If Haldol works you may continue taking it, but the maximum dose is 8mg in a 24 hour period. When taking 4 or more mg of Haldol in a 4 hour period, take 25-50mg of Benadryl to prevent a dystonic reaction.

When Haldol doesn't work....

Take Tegretol 200mg once...(take an extra one if you're already on it)

...if three hours later not doing better, take Risperdal 3mg

During the most severe crises.....

Take Tegretol 200mg plus Risperdal 3mg at the same time

(You may need to take 25-100mg of Benadryl to prevent a dystonic reaction)."

Personally my psychiatrist instructed me to take 25 mgs. of benadryl with each 1 mg tablet of Haldol. 

I recommend you go over this instruction sheet with your Dr. if you are not presently being treated appropriately.

Patty E. Fleener M.S.W.

*************

Courtesy of Leland M. Heller, M.D.
http://www.biologicalunhappiness.com  

February, 2004

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