What meds are good for bpd

Deborah C. Escalante

BPD Medication Brand Name Generic Name Drug Type Abilifyaripiprazoleantipsychotic Ativanlorazepam anxiolytic Busparbuspironeanxiolytic Carbatrolcarbamazepinemood stabilizer/antipsychotic  Depakotevalproatemood stabilizer/antipsychotic EffexorvenlafaxineantidepressantGeodon ziprasidoneantipsychoticKlonopinclonazepamanxiolyticLamictallamotriginemood stabilizer/antipsychotic Lithobidlithiummood stabilizer/antipsychoticNardilphenelzineantidepressantProzacfluoxetineantidepressantRisperdalrisperidoneantipsychoticSeroquelquetiapineantipsychoticTegretol carbamazepinemood stabilizer/antipsychotic Valiumdiazepam anxiolytic Wellbutrinbupropionantidepressant Xanaxalprazolamanxiolytic ZoloftsertralineantidepressantZyprexaolanzapineantipsychotic

Antidepressants

Antidepressants were developed for people with major depressive disorder and other disorders characterized by low mood. But many people with BPD are treated with these medications as well.

There are many types of antidepressants that have been studied for use with BPD. These include tetracyclic and tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Common antidepressants include:

  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Nardil (phenelzine)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Wellbutrin (bupropion)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)

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 anxiety, paranoid thinking, anger or hostility, and impulsivity in patients with BPD.

Common antipsychotics include:

Mood Stabilizers/Anticonvulsants

Medications with mood-stabilizing properties and 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 seem to be commonly used in people with BPD.

Common anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers for BPD include:

  • Depakote (valproate)
  • Lamictal (lamotrigine)
  • Lithobid (lithium)
  • Tegretol or Carbatrol (carbamazepine)

Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Drugs)

Because individuals with BPD also often experience intense anxiety, medications to reduce anxiety are 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 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 are particularly dangerous in people with co-occurring substance use disorders because they can be habit-forming. Buspar, an anxiolytic that is not habit-forming, is an alternative to medications from the benzodiazepine family.

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. 

Findings from one study suggest that an omega-3-fatty acid supplement can lead to decreased aggression and feelings of hostility in people with BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide

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Side Effects

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 adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects include:

  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Sedation
  • Weight gain

Always talk to your healthcare provider about both the common and rare side effects that are associated with a specific medication so that 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.

Challenges When Taking BPD Medications

There are a number of challenges that can affect the use of medications to treat BPD. These include:

  • People have differing needs: There tends to be a high degree of diversity in the symptoms that each person with BPD experiences.
  • Co-occurring conditions are common: Having another condition can complicate medication choice. For example, antidepressants should not be used in cases where someone also has bipolar disorder, because these substances can trigger manic episodes.
  • Multiple approaches may be necessary: Medications may not be able to manage all BPD symptoms, which is why things like psychotherapy and self-care are also important. Plus, it’s not uncommon for someone with a borderline personality disorder to be prescribed numerous medications.
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Precautions

There are certain precautions to take before trying a medication to treat BPD. Some concerns to think about include:

  • Benzodiazepines may worsen symptoms for some individuals. Research suggests that benzodiazepines may worsen the symptoms of impulsivity and suicidality in people with BPD, so their use is discouraged.
  • Some medications, such as benzodiazepines, may be habit-forming. Research also suggests that people with BPD may be at a higher risk of benzodiazepine dependence due to efforts to self-medicate.
  • Antidepressants carry a black-box warning. This warning notes that antidepressants are associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking in young people.

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:

A Word From Verywell

While medications for BPD can be a useful part of your overall treatment plan, it is important to work with your doctor 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 doctor about what might be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best medication 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 doctor can help find the best BPD medication for you.

  • How do you manage BPD without medication?

    BPD is generally treated with psychotherapy, with dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy being 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:

  • How can you convince someone with BPD to take their medication?

    No matter how well-intentioned you are, you cannot force someone with BPD to take their medications. What you can do is offer them support in adhering to their treatment plan. And if they are in danger of hurting themselves or others, call 911 to seek immediate medical attention for them.

    Learn More:

Diagnosis

Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, are diagnosed based on a:

  • Detailed interview with your doctor or mental health provider
  • Psychological evaluation that may include completing questionnaires
  • Medical history and exam
  • Discussion of your signs and symptoms

A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is usually made in adults, not in children or teenagers. That’s because what appear to be signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder may go away as children get older and become more mature.

Treatment

Borderline personality disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy, but medication may be added. Your doctor also may recommend hospitalization if your safety is at risk.

Treatment can help you learn skills to manage and cope with your condition. It’s also necessary to get treated for any other mental health disorders that often occur along with borderline personality disorder, such as depression or substance misuse. With treatment, you can feel better about yourself and live a more stable, rewarding life.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy — also called talk therapy — is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder. Your therapist may adapt the type of therapy to best meet your needs. The goals of psychotherapy are to help you:

  • Focus on your current ability to function
  • Learn to manage emotions that feel uncomfortable
  • Reduce your impulsiveness by helping you observe feelings rather than acting on them
  • Work on improving relationships by being aware of your feelings and those of others
  • Learn about borderline personality disorder
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Types of psychotherapy that have been found to be effective include:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT includes group and individual therapy designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage your emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships.
  • Schema-focused therapy. Schema-focused therapy can be done individually or in a group. It can help you identify unmet needs that have led to negative life patterns, which at some time may have been helpful for survival, but as an adult are hurtful in many areas of your life. Therapy focuses on helping you get your needs met in a healthy manner to promote positive life patterns.
  • Mentalization-based therapy (MBT). MBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you identify your own thoughts and feelings at any given moment and create an alternate perspective on the situation. MBT emphasizes thinking before reacting.
  • Systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving (STEPPS). STEPPS is a 20-week treatment that involves working in groups that incorporate your family members, caregivers, friends or significant others into treatment. STEPPS is used in addition to other types of psychotherapy.
  • Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP). Also called psychodynamic psychotherapy, TFP aims to help you understand your emotions and interpersonal difficulties through the developing relationship between you and your therapist. You then apply these insights to ongoing situations.
  • Good psychiatric management. This treatment approach relies on case management, anchoring treatment in an expectation of work or school participation. It focuses on making sense of emotionally difficult moments by considering the interpersonal context for feelings. It may integrate medications, groups, family education and individual therapy.

Medications

Although no drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, certain medications may help with symptoms or co-occurring problems such as depression, impulsiveness, aggression or anxiety. Medications may include antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood-stabilizing drugs.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and side effects of medications.

Hospitalization

At times, you may need more-intense treatment in a psychiatric hospital or clinic. Hospitalization may also keep you safe from self-injury or address suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Recovery takes time

Learning to manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviors takes time. Most people improve considerably, but you may always struggle with some symptoms of borderline personality disorder. You may experience times when your symptoms are better or worse. But treatment can improve your ability to function and help you feel better about yourself.

You have the best chance for success when you consult a mental health provider who has experience treating borderline personality disorder.

More Information

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Coping and support

Symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder can be stressful and challenging for you and those around you. You may be aware that your emotions, thoughts and behaviors are self-destructive or damaging, yet you feel unable to manage them.

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In addition to getting professional treatment, you can help manage and cope with your condition if you:

  • Learn about the disorder so that you understand its causes and treatments
  • Learn to recognize what may trigger angry outbursts or impulsive behavior
  • Seek professional help and stick to your treatment plan — attend all therapy sessions and take medications as directed
  • Work with your mental health provider to develop a plan for what to do the next time a crisis occurs
  • Get treatment for related problems, such as substance misuse
  • Consider involving people close to you in your treatment to help them understand and support you
  • Manage intense emotions by practicing coping skills, such as the use of breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation
  • Set limits and boundaries for yourself and others by learning how to appropriately express emotions in a manner that doesn’t push others away or trigger abandonment or instability
  • Don’t make assumptions about what people are feeling or thinking about you
  • Reach out to others with the disorder to share insights and experiences
  • Build a support system of people who can understand and respect you
  • Keep up a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active and engaging in social activities
  • Don’t blame yourself for the disorder, but recognize your responsibility to get it treated

Preparing for your appointment

You may start by seeing your primary care doctor. After an initial appointment, your doctor may refer you to a mental health provider, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Here’s some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • Any symptoms you or people close to you have noticed, and for how long
  • Key personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any current major stressors
  • Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions
  • All medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other supplements, and the doses
  • Questions you want to ask your doctor so that you can make the most of your appointment

Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who has known you for a long time may be able to share important information with the doctor or mental health provider, with your permission.

Basic questions to ask your doctor or a mental health provider include:

  • What’s likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • Are there any other possible causes?
  • What treatments are most likely to be effective for me?
  • How much can I expect my symptoms to improve with treatment?
  • How often will I need therapy sessions and for how long?
  • Are there medications that can help?
  • What are the possible side effects of the medication you may prescribe?
  • Do I need to take any precautions or follow any restrictions?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • How can my family or close friends help me in my treatment?
  • Do you have any printed material that I can take? What websites do you recommend?

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

A doctor or mental health provider is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to save time for topics you want to focus on. Possible questions include:

  • What are your symptoms? When did you first notice them?
  • How are these symptoms affecting your life, including your personal relationships and work?
  • How often during the course of a normal day do you experience a mood swing?
  • How often have you felt betrayed, victimized or abandoned? Why do you think that happened?
  • How well do you manage anger?
  • How well do you manage being alone?
  • How would you describe your sense of self-worth?
  • Have you ever felt you were bad, or even evil?
  • Have you had any problems with self-destructive or risky behavior?
  • Have you ever thought of or tried to harm yourself or attempted suicide?
  • Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs or misuse prescription drugs? If so, how often?
  • How would you describe your childhood, including your relationship with your parents or caregivers?
  • Were you physically or sexually abused or were you neglected as a child?
  • Have any of your close relatives or caregivers been diagnosed with a mental health problem, such as a personality disorder?
  • Have you been treated for any other mental health problems? If yes, what diagnoses were made, and what treatments were most effective?
  • Are you currently being treated for any other medical conditions?

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