Medications
Medications for Mental Illness
Section titled “Medications for Mental Illness”Information about psychotropic drugs and their use for mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and other diagnoses.
Overview of Medication Groups
Section titled “Overview of Medication Groups”Various medication groups are used for mental illnesses:
1. Antidepressants
Section titled “1. Antidepressants”Use: Depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and partly for borderline personality disorder
Important subgroups:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine
- Tricyclic antidepressants: e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine
- MAO inhibitors: e.g., moclobemide
2. Mood Stabilizers
Section titled “2. Mood Stabilizers”Use: Bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (for mood stabilization)
Examples:
- Lithium
- Valproic acid (Valproate)
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
3. Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics)
Section titled “3. Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics)”Use: Psychoses, schizophrenia, partly for borderline personality disorder (low-dose)
Subgroups:
- Typical antipsychotics: e.g., haloperidol
- Atypical antipsychotics: e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole, risperidone
For borderline personality disorder, low-dose atypical antipsychotics are sometimes used for:
- Reducing impulsivity
- Treating dissociative symptoms
- Treating stress-related perceptual disturbances
4. Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Medications)
Section titled “4. Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Medications)”Use: Anxiety disorders, acute crises
Important groups:
- Benzodiazepines: e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam
- Buspirone: Alternative to benzodiazepines
5. Sleeping Pills (Hypnotics)
Section titled “5. Sleeping Pills (Hypnotics)”Use: Sleep disorders
Examples:
- Zopiclone, zolpidem (Z-drugs)
- Certain antidepressants at low doses (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone)
- Certain antipsychotics at low doses (e.g., quetiapine)
Medications for Borderline Personality Disorder
Section titled “Medications for Borderline Personality Disorder”There is no specific medication that cures borderline personality disorder. Medications are used as a complement to psychotherapy to alleviate specific symptoms:
| Symptom | Possible Medications |
|---|---|
| Depression | Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) |
| Impulsivity | Mood stabilizers, low-dose antipsychotics |
| Dissociation | Low-dose antipsychotics |
| Anxiety | Antidepressants, short-term benzodiazepines |
| Sleep disorders | Sleeping pills, sedating antidepressants |
Important Guidelines for Taking Medication
Section titled “Important Guidelines for Taking Medication”- Take medications regularly as prescribed
- Be patient — many medications need time to take effect
- Report side effects — inform your doctor
- Keep follow-up appointments
- Watch for interactions — inform your doctor about all medications
Don’ts
Section titled “Don’ts”- Do not stop on your own — this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms
- Do not adjust dosage on your own — neither more nor less
- No alcohol — interactions possible
- Do not share medications — what helps one person can harm another
- Do not listen to non-professionals — only your doctor knows your situation
Regarding Side Effects
Section titled “Regarding Side Effects”If you notice side effects:
- Stay calm — most side effects are not dangerous
- Document — What symptoms? When did they occur?
- Contact your doctor — promptly, but without panic
- Do not stop on your own — except for severe allergic reactions
In case of severe reactions (difficulty breathing, severe swelling, rapid heartbeat), call emergency services immediately!
Further Information
Section titled “Further Information”- Therapy approaches - Psychotherapy as an important pillar of treatment
- DBT - The most important therapy for borderline
- Clinics - Inpatient treatment
- Self-help - Complementary measures