Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesTypesSide EffectsChallengesPrecautionsCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Types
Side Effects
Challenges
Precautions
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
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BPD is sometimes treated with anxiety or depression medications, for instance, which may reduce some symptoms. Medications may also be used to treat psychological conditions that frequently co-occur with this condition, such asmajor depressive disorder.
Medications are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other treatments rather than being a stand-alone option.Learning more about different borderline personality disorder medications can help you find the right one for you.
Why Use Medication for BPD?
There are a number of reasons people may want to try medications for borderline personality disorder. The important thing is to always work with your physician to determine which medication options might be right for you based on your symptoms and needs.
BPD medication may help:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Types of Medication for BPD
There is no medication specifically approved to treat BPD. However, there are several types of medications that may be useful for reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder. The type of medication that your physician prescribes will depend on your specific symptoms and needs.
Antidepressants
There are many types of antidepressants that have been studied for use with BPD. These include tetracyclic andtricyclic antidepressants,monoamine oxidase inhibitors(MAOIs), andselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs).
Common antidepressantsinclude:
These medications may help with sadness, low mood, anxiety, and emotional reactivity, but do not seem to have a strong effect on other BPD symptoms (e.g., anger, impulsivity).
Antipsychotics
The term “borderline"was coined because early psychiatrists believed that the symptoms of BPD were “on the border” between neurosis and psychosis. For this reason, some of the first medications tested for BPD were antipsychotics.
Antipsychotic drugs can have a positive effect on a variety of non-psychotic disorders, including BPD. They have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, paranoid thinking, anger or hostility, andimpulsivity in patients with BPD.
Common antipsychoticsinclude:
Mood Stabilizers/Anticonvulsants
Medications with mood-stabilizing propertiesand some anticonvulsant or anti-seizure medications have been used to treat the impulsive behavior and rapid emotional changes associated with BPD. And research suggests that these classes of drugs are frequently prescribed to people with BPD.
Common anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers for BPD include:
Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Drugs)
Because individuals with BPD also often experience intense anxiety,medications to reduce anxietyare sometimes prescribed. Common anxiolytics include:
Unfortunately, there is very little research to support the use of anti-anxiety medication to treat BPD. There is some evidence, however, that the use of benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin)—a particular class of anxiolytics—may actually cause a worsening of symptoms for some individuals with BPD.
Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming, even when taken at prescribed dosages. This risk can be particularly dangerous for people with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Buspar, an anxiolytic that is not habit-forming, is an alternative tomedications from the benzodiazepine family.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Other Borderline Personality Disorder Medications
As we learn more about BPD, new medications are being developed and tested for the disorder. Researchers are exploring anti-dementia drugs, anesthetics, and facial paralysis drugs to learn more about their effects on BPD.This research is ongoing and more evidence is needed to learn more about the uses and efficacy of such medications.
Findings from one study suggest that anomega-3-fatty acid supplementmay lead to decreased aggression and feelings of hostility in people with BPD.However, further research is needed before omega-3 supplements can be recommended for relieving BPD symptoms.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any supplement, including omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Be sure to tell them about any medications, substances, or supplements you are currently taking to avoid drug interactions.
Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion GuideGet our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.Download PDFSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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Side Effects of Medications for BPD
As with other medicines, people may experience side effects while taking BPD medications. It is important to remember that each medication has its own set of potential side effects. That said, some of the more common side effects include:
Always talk to your healthcare provider about both the common and rare side effects associated with your specific medication so you know what to expect. It is also important to tell them about any other medications, substances, or supplements you are taking to avoid potentially serious drug interactions.
Some people may also experience allergic reactions to medications. Seek medical attention immediately if you begin to experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
Challenges When Taking BPD Medications
There are a number of challenges that can affect the use of medications to treat BPD. These include:
Precautions When Taking Medication for BPD
There are certain precautions to take before trying a medication to treat BPD. Some concerns to think about include:
Coping With BPD
While psychotherapy is the standard treatment approach for BPD,medications may be useful for relieving and managing some symptoms. There are also steps that people with BPD can take to improve their ability to cope. These include:
Summary
While medications for BPD can be a useful part of your overall treatment plan, it is important to work with your care provider to determine the best approach for your needs.
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every person with BPD. The right approach for you will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments.
It is also important to be aware that medications are most effective when combined with other options such as psychotherapy. Talk to your physician about what might be right for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no one medication that is superior to others for BPD. Instead, the best medication depends on the severity of your BPD and the types of symptoms you experience. Your care provider can help find the best BPD medication for you.BPD is generally treated with psychotherapy, with dialectical behavior therapy andcognitive behavioral therapybeing the most common types.Finding ways to cope with your emotions, reducing stress, and seeking treatment for any other co-occurring conditions can help as well.Learn More:BPD Treatment OptionsNo matter how well-intentioned you are, you cannot force someone with BPD to take their medications. What youcando is offer them support in adhering to their treatment plan.If they are in danger of hurting themselves or others, call 911 to seek immediate medical attention for them.Learn More:When Your Loved One Won’t Get Help for BPD
There is no one medication that is superior to others for BPD. Instead, the best medication depends on the severity of your BPD and the types of symptoms you experience. Your care provider can help find the best BPD medication for you.
BPD is generally treated with psychotherapy, with dialectical behavior therapy andcognitive behavioral therapybeing the most common types.Finding ways to cope with your emotions, reducing stress, and seeking treatment for any other co-occurring conditions can help as well.Learn More:BPD Treatment Options
BPD is generally treated with psychotherapy, with dialectical behavior therapy andcognitive behavioral therapybeing the most common types.Finding ways to cope with your emotions, reducing stress, and seeking treatment for any other co-occurring conditions can help as well.
Learn More:BPD Treatment Options
No matter how well-intentioned you are, you cannot force someone with BPD to take their medications. What youcando is offer them support in adhering to their treatment plan.If they are in danger of hurting themselves or others, call 911 to seek immediate medical attention for them.Learn More:When Your Loved One Won’t Get Help for BPD
No matter how well-intentioned you are, you cannot force someone with BPD to take their medications. What youcando is offer them support in adhering to their treatment plan.If they are in danger of hurting themselves or others, call 911 to seek immediate medical attention for them.
Learn More:When Your Loved One Won’t Get Help for BPD
21 Sources
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