This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Medication is not the main treatment for borderline personality disorder — therapy is. No medication is approved to treat BPD itself. That said, a prescriber may use medication in a supporting role to ease specific symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings, while structured therapy does the core work. The right plan is individual, and decisions are always made with a qualified professional.
Your treatment options
Think of medication as one possible support within a therapy-centered plan:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — first-line. DBT was developed specifically for BPD and is the most studied, most recommended treatment. See therapy for BPD and the full treatment overview.
- Medication — a supporting role. A prescriber may add medication to target specific symptoms that get in the way of progress. It can take several weeks to feel the full effect, and you should never start or stop a medication without medical guidance.
- Other evidence-based therapies and treatment guides. Several structured approaches help; a clinician matches care to your needs.
A short conversation can help you understand how medication might — or might not — fit your situation.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is exactly what to expect:
- A trained specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are going through.
- It is a no-obligation conversation — you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available at no cost.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure what is driving your symptoms? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic BPD self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find help in your state
Access to prescribers and programs differs by state. Use Find Help by State for your state’s mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
The cost of medication and the visits to manage it depends on the prescription, your insurance, and your state — so there is no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health care, including prescriptions; details vary by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), sliding-scale clinics, and prescription-assistance programs.
- A specialist or your state’s resources can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. A common misconception is that there is a pill for BPD. There is not — and that is not bad news. The treatments that change lives here are skills-based therapies. When medication helps, it is usually by quieting a co-occurring symptom enough that the real work of therapy can take hold.
If you are ready, talk to someone about your options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a medication for borderline personality disorder?
No medication is approved to treat BPD itself, and therapy is the primary treatment. However, a prescriber may use medication to ease specific co-occurring symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability. Decisions are individualized and made with a qualified professional.
Can I treat BPD with medication alone?
Medication on its own is not considered a treatment for BPD. The evidence points to structured psychotherapy, especially DBT, as the foundation of care. When medication is used, it supports therapy rather than replacing it.
How long does BPD medication take to work?
It depends on the medication and what it is targeting. Some medications can take several weeks to reach full effect. Never start or stop a medication without medical guidance — a prescriber will monitor how it is working and adjust as needed.
Sources
- Borderline Personality Disorder — Treatments — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Borderline Personality Disorder — Treatment — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Personality Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.