Understanding Psychotropic Drugs

If you've been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), your healthcare provider might prescript psychotropic drugs as part of your treatment plan. In fact, one in three patients in psychotherapy take psychotropics.

When used in combination with psychotherapy, psychotropic drugs can be a powerful tool in managing your mental illness, especially if you're struggling with daily tasks or having trouble getting out of bed. That said, these drugs aren't for everyone and should never be taken without a prescription.

Psychotropics have been study-proven to help people with mental illness, including BPD as well as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.

Psychotropic drugs are by no means a cure-all. Instead, they work to help minimize symptoms of BPD, like intense mood swings or violent episodes, that can interfere with therapy. Psychotropics take the edge off so you can develop skills to cope with and better manage your mental health.

Depending on your mental health condition and symptoms, your doctor could prescribe one of the following types of psychotropics:

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Anxiolytics
• Hypnotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Stimulants

Psychotropic substances are also found in alcohol as well as illegal and recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine.

Psychotropic drugs are not designed to work instantly. For some, the medications can begin working in several weeks while others may need to try several different medications before finding the right one. Everyone responds to medication differently, so do your best to be patient and keep your healthcare provider informed on how you're feeling.

Like all drugs, psychotropics come with a range of side effects, which is one of many reasons to stick with your doctor's orders.

• Changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Loss of sexual interest
• Disinterest in hobbies/activities
• Cardiac issues
• Stroke

While psychotropic drugs can help regulate your emotions and mood, they can also interfere with your emotions. For example, you might have a hard time crying when you truly feel sad or laughing when you're genuinely happy.

If psychotropics make you feel "just not like yourself," tell your doctor so she can find alternative medications—or other treatment strategies—to help you best manage life with BPD.