Understanding Psychotropic Drugs

Understanding Psychotropic Drugs BPD Treatment Print Understanding Psychotropic Drugs By 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 policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 15, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Carolyn Lagattuta / EyeEm / Getty Images More in BPD Treatment Diagnosis Living With BPD Related Conditions If youve been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), your healthcare provider might prescribe psychotropic drugs as part of your treatment plan. In fact, some estimates are that 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 youre struggling with daily tasks or having trouble getting out of bed. That said, these drugs arent for everyone and should never be taken without a prescription. Why Psychotropics Are Prescribed Psychotropics have been proven to help people with mental illness, including BPD as well as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. The National Institute of Mental Health found that patients with depression who were prescribed a psychotropic showed more progress in two months than those who went without treatment showed their entire lives. 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. Types Depending on your mental health condition and symptoms, your doctor could prescribe one of the following types of psychotropics: AntidepressantsAntipsychoticsAnxiolyticsHypnoticsMood stabilizersStimulants What to Know Before You Take These Drugs Many psychotropic drugs are not designed to work instantly. For some, the medications can take several weeks to have their full effect, 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 youre feeling. Before taking psychotropic drugs, be sure to share with your healthcare provider any known medical issues, such as heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure, to ensure the medication wont aggravate these preexisting conditions. Side Effects Like all drugs, psychotropics come with a range of side effects, some of these include: Changes in appetiteSleep disturbancesDrowsinessDizzinessFatigueWeight gainSexual side effectsCardiac issues While psychotropic drugs can help regulate your emotions and mood, they can also sometimes adversely impact your emotions. For example, you might have a hard time crying when you truly feel sad. If psychotropics make you feel just not like yourself, tell your doctor so she can find alternative medicationsâ€"or other treatment strategiesâ€"to help you best manage life with BPD.