xanax and BPD... is this ok?

[justbreathe1994]

Hi all,
My daughter has started taking Xanax ( prescribed by her doc) within the last few months for her anxiety and to help her sleep. She is now consistently taking it ( daily )
Does this med make BPD symptoms worse?
She has been angry, and seems very on edge. The angry part isn't something that is a usual thing for her. She has had days of course but this is seeming to be much more often.
Very rudely direct, and being harsh verbally
I don't know what to make of it. I can only think its the Xanax making her symptoms worse. She began a new job today and I don't even know how I should approach this subject with her, as I don't want to put her into an episode but I know it needs to be addressed.
She is being very harsh with her little sister and I don't think she realizes it.
HEEEELLLPPPPP... .any suggestions? or info? anyone go through this with this med?

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[jones54]

I would discuss this with her doctor. Usually this should not make them more angry. It is not a "mood stabilizer" but an "anxiolytic". Be careful, hopefully she has no addiction tendencies. My daughter abused Xanax for years. Again, speak with her doctor. Every drug can effect people differently.

[justbreathe1994]

Thanks Jones54,
She is 22 so Im not sure how far I will get with her doctor speaking to her alone however I will try if it continues. She does have a problem with smoking marijuana. She will go into panic mode if she doesn't have it to help her sleep at night as well. I worry about the addiction thing with Xanax as well. I know she has been aware of my worry and has told me she has kept communication with her doc regarding the refills and dosage because she understands the addiction issue that comes along with that drug.
I spoke to my grandmother this morning and she was telling me that my daughter seemed much angrier lately, and that she went to her house yesterday and was in a very "different" mood. My grandmother doesn't know about the med or the BPD traits ( yes, she knows there is a mood problem but not much more than that) so it made me think maybe this med could be causing more issue than helping.

[Lollypop]

Hi Jones54

For what it's worth, my DS would be extremely stressed about starting a new job and his behaviour would reflect that.

What kinds of things do you say to your daughter when she's directly rude or harsh?  Can you give an example of what she's reacting to?

My DS is addicted to skunk and currently valium. There's been a host of other drugs, prescribed and non-prescribed over the years but never alcohol.  As you may already know, there's both a physical and psychological dependence.  Have felt able to speak with your daughter - adult to adult - about your thoughts regarding the Xanax?

LP

[TJAmom]

I don't know if you worked this situation out, but my 25 y o son has been taking xanax on and off for years to help his severe anxiety disorder. The only thing it does is mellow him out and make him sluggish. We can tell when he has taken it because he slurs his words, his eyes look a little glazed and he is slow. He also abuses it, as he does all benzos. I was prescribed it once, but it turned me into a zombie (even lowest dose) so I stopped immediately. ALso, I also have the issue of his docs not being able to "talk" to me, but remember, that doesn't mean you can't call them and express your opinion. I have done that quite a few times. They can't say anything back to you, but I do believe they listen and take what you say into consideration. I have done this with his therapists too.