BPD is sometimes treated with anxiety or depression medications, for instance, which may reduce some symptoms.
Why Use Medication for BPD?
There are a number of reasons people may want to try medications for borderline personality disorder.
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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.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
However, there are several types of medications that may be useful for reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
The punch in of medication that your physician prescribes will depend on your specific symptoms and needs.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants were developed for people withmajor depressive disorderand 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.
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.
And research suggests that these classes of drugs are frequently prescribed to people 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.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any supplement, including omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
It is important to remember that each medication has its own set of potential side effects.
Some people may also experience allergic reactions to medications.
There are also steps that people with BPD can take to improve their ability to cope.
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.
Talk to your physician about what might be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
No matter how well-intentioned you are, you cannot force someone with BPD to take their medications.
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