In the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are greatly preferred to the other classes of antidepressants. Benzodiazepines are contraindicated in this population because they reduce inhibitions and are therefore likely to increase impulsivity.
Antidepressants can help people with borderline personality disorder experience relief from symptoms such as emotional reactivity, depression, and anxiety. Taking an antidepressant may come with certain side effects, allergic reaction, or unusual bleeding.
The authors of a 2020 review state that antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for BPD. A doctor may prescribe : selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants.
Limited therapeutic effectiveness of antidepressants in BPD may be related to lack of serotonin receptor specificity, since 5-HT2A but not 5-HT2C antagonism is associated with decreasing impulsivity.
Brand names: Lexapro
Escitalopram has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 22 ratings for the off-label treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. 86% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 5% reported a negative experience.
Studies show that certain SSRIs and SNRIs can help manage depression, anxiety, anger, and impulsivity in people with BPD. Types of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants include: Fluoxetine (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft)
In fact, many antidepressants can cause mood swings as a side effect, which can amplify the flurry of emotions that you are already feeling due to BPD, highlighting the necessity of proper diagnosis and receiving the appropriate antidepressant medication.
BPD is often confused as an affective disorder (depressive or bipolar disorder), but the proof is in the treatment. When those with BPD, with or without MDD, engage in treatment for depression, the symptoms and course of depression do not lessen the BPD symptoms.
Common antidepressant medications that are prescribed as a component of one's BPD treatment plan could include the following: Fluoxetine (Prozac) Phenelzine (Nardil) Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Indeed, several reports have demonstrated the efficacy of selective serotonin re-uptake drugs in treating the depressive and impulsive symptoms of patients with BPD.
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.
Objective: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended for treatment of affect lability, impulsivity, and aggression in patients with borderline personality disorder.
It is not uncommon for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) to experience the comorbid complexity of depression. It is estimated that as many as 83% of individuals with BPD have a co-occurring depressive disorder (Beatson & Rao, 2012).
According to Psych Central, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are typically the go-to for treating borderline personality disorder. SSRIs work to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, anger and impulsivity.
Self-Care activities include: regular exercise, good sleep habits, a nutritious diet, taking medications as prescribed, and healthy stress management. Good self-care can help to reduce common symptoms of BPD such as mood changes, impulsive behavior, and irritability.
Examples of anti-anxiety medications used to treat the symptoms of BPD include: Alprazolam (Xanax) Diazepam (Valium) Buspirone (Buspar)
BPD Looks Like So Many Other Mental Health Conditions
People with BPD typically also meet the criteria for multiple other diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and so on.
Effexor belongs to a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Effexor blocks the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin in the neuron synapse, effectively leaving more free serotonin and norepinephrine available.
It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
One of the most common misdiagnoses for BPD is bipolar disorder. Both conditions have episodes of mood instability.