Does Paxil help with BPD? (+3 findings)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Paxil helps with BPD, clinical studies on the effectiveness of Paxil in treating BPD, potential side effects of Paxil when used for treating BPD, and medications that are approved for treating BPD.

Does Paxil help with BPD?

Paxil can help treat the symptoms of BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) in certain individuals. However, it is important to know that Paxil is not FDA-approved for treating BPD. Paxil is FDA-approved for treating depression and anxiety. (1)

BPD is a mental illness that has a significant negative influence on the ability to control your emotions. The loss of emotional control can make you more impulsive which will negatively affect your self-esteem, and damage your relationship with other people. (2)

Paxil can help manage the symptoms of BPD in MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) patients. Consult your psychiatrist or healthcare provider about taking Paxil to treat your BPD. They can properly assess your situation and determine the best course of action that suits your condition.

How can Paxil help with BPD?

The mechanism of action of Paxil in raising the serotonin levels can help treat the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in influencing your mood.

Paxil can help stabilize your mood and lessen your emotional stress and outbursts, which are common symptoms of BPD.

By increasing serotonin levels in the brain (which in turn helps control emotions), Paxil can assist with mood regulation as well as other BPD symptoms such as impulsive behavior, suicidal thoughts, distorted perception of oneself, and unsteady relationships. (3)

Although Paxil cannot treat BPD, it can be useful for BPD symptom management.

What does research suggest?

Research was conducted to assess the efficacy of psychopharmacologic drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants in the management of BPD.

The findings of the study demonstrated that SSRIs including paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine offer modest benefits in reducing impulsive aggression and fury in 5-6 % of patients with BPD.

According to the study’s findings, antidepressants are generally well-tolerated and can be effective in treating impulsivity and aggression symptoms in certain individuals diagnosed with BPD. (4)

What are the side effects of using Paxil?

There are several side effects that can occur while using Paxil such as: (5)

Common side effects

• Nausea.
• Insomnia (inability to sleep well).
• Headaches.
• Fatigue.
• Diarrhea.

Serious side effects

• Unexplained body weight changes (weight gain or loss).
• Persistent confusion.
• blurred vision or any vision changes.
• Bleeding from any area of your body such as your gums, gut, or coughing up blood.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these side effects. Paxil overdosing can result in serious side effects.

What treatments are approved for BPD?

There are certain FDA-approved treatments and medications for treating BPD such as:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is commonly referred to as talk therapy. It is a cornerstone method of treating BPD. There are several types of psychotherapy such as:

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
• Schema-focused therapy.
• MBT (Mentalization Based Therapy).
• TFP (Transference Focused Psychotherapy).
• Psychiatric management.
• STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving).

These types of psychotherapy are the main and first-line treatment of BPD. (6)

Medications

There are no FDA-approved medications for treating BPD. However, certain antidepressant medications such as SSRIs like fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine. Additionally, MAOIs (Mono-Amine Oxidase inhibitors) like phenelzine and tranylcypromine were proven to be effective in treating affective symptoms of BPD.

Antipsychotics including atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole and olanzapine were shown to be effective in treating aggressiveness and paranoia symptoms of BDP.

Mood-stabilizing drugs such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine can also be used in treating aggressiveness symptoms of BDP.

Anticonvulsants such as valproate seem to work especially well in BDP patients who exhibit impulsive aggression.

These medications were shown effective in treating and managing compulsive and aggression symptoms accompanying BPD. After properly assessing your condition, your healthcare provider or psychiatrist may prescribe you a combination therapy of both psychotherapy and suitable medications to help treat the symptoms of your BDP. (3)

Conclusion

Based on my knowledge and research, Paxil can help treat the symptoms of aggression and compulsion that accompany BPD. However, Paxil is not FDA-approved for treating BPD. Consult your psychiatrist or healthcare provider about psychotherapy treatments that are approved and useful in treating your BPD.

References