BPD Treatment Using Mood Stabilizers for Treating BPD By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 23, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Caiaimage/Getty Images Mood stabilizers for borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be effective in reducing BPD symptoms, particularly emotion dysregulation and impulsivity symptoms. These psychiatric pharmaceutical medications are increasingly prescribed for people with BPD, although psychotherapy is still considered the most important form of treatment. Indication The term mood stabilizer is used to describe any medication that reduces the frequency of intense mood shifts, or lability. Types of Medication Different types of medications are prescribed as mood stabilizers for people with BPD. Medications originally developed to treat seizures, called “anticonvulsants,” are commonly prescribed for their mood-stabilizing effects. Examples include: Tegretol, Equetro (carbamazepine) Lamictal (lamotrigine) Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) Topamax (topiramate) Depakote (valproic acid, divalproex sodium) Lithobid (lithium carbonate) is an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer that has been a mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder for years. Effectiveness Research is limited, but it does appear that mood stabilizers can treat some BPD symptoms effectively. The most-studied medication is lithium. Decades of research show that lithium is effective in reducing impulsivity and aggressiveness and has an anti-suicidal effect. Some studies hint that other anticonvulsant mood stabilizers may help treat mood and emotional symptoms in BPD, and a different type of medication, called atypical antipsychotics, offers an additional treatment option. Risks and Side Effects Risks and side effects of these medications can vary depending on the type of mood stabilizer you're taking. For example, each anticonvulsant mood stabilizer has its own unique side effect profile. Lithium carbonate can cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting; weight gain; acne; tremors (shaking); and cognitive problems (for example, feeling that your thinking is slowed or fuzzy). Lithium can also affect your kidneys and thyroid gland, so blood tests are required to monitor their function while you're taking this medication. Lithium can also be very toxic in high doses. Other possible side effects with anticonvulsants include gastrointestinal complaints, weight gain, rashes, fatigue, and dizziness. In addition, some of these medications carry a risk of rare but serious side effects. For example, people taking carbamazepine must be monitored for the possible development of agranulocytosis, a rare condition marked by a significant decrease in white blood cells. Toxicity is also a concern with certain anticonvulsant mood stabilizers for BPD. Questions to Ask Your Psychiatrist Talk to your psychiatrist about any concerns you have before you start taking a mood stabilizer for BPD. Make sure you understand the risks and side effects as well as the reason(s) you are being prescribed a particular medication. Here are some questions you might want to ask: Which BPD symptoms do you expect this medication to affect?Are there particular risks or side effects I should watch for?How will this medication interact with other medications I'm taking?How long will I need to take this medication before I start to notice its effects?How long do you think I'll need to be on this medication? 4 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Belli H, Ural C, Akbudak M. Borderline personality disorder: bipolarity, mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics in treatment. J Clin Med Res. 2012;4(5):301-8. doi:10.4021%2Fjocmr1042w National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Health Medications. Won E, Kim Y. An Oldie but Goodie: Lithium in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder through Neuroprotective and Neurotrophic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(12). doi:10.3390%2Fijms18122679 Daughton J, Padala P, Gabel T. Careful monitoring for agranulocytosis during carbamazepine treatment. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):310-1. doi:10.4088%2Fpcc.v08n0510a Additional Reading Albers LJ, Hahn RK, & Reist C. Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs, Current Clinical Publishing Strategies, 2008. American Psychiatric Association. "Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder." American Journal of Psychiatry, 158: 1-52, October 2001. By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist for BPD Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.