Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Borderline Personality Disorder

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Balancing these brain chemicals can relieve symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Symptoms include feeling grouchy or angry, acting without thinking (being impulsive), and depression. ^{footnote 1}

Some examples of SSRIs that may be used to treat borderline personality disorder are:

• Citalopram (such as Celexa).
• Escitalopram (Lexapro).
• Fluoxetine (such as Prozac).
• Fluvoxamine (such as Luvox).
• Paroxetine (Paxil).
• Sertraline (Zoloft).

Side effects include:

• Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or weight gain.
• Feeling anxious or irritable.
• Problems sleeping, or feeling drowsy.
• Loss of sexual desire or ability.
• Headaches or dizziness.

SSRIs can take several weeks to start working. But they may work sooner.

Never suddenly stop taking antidepressants. Many antidepressants should be tapered off slowly and only under the supervision of a doctor. Abruptly stopping antidepressant medicines can cause negative side effects or a return of symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. Talk with your doctor about these possible side effects and the warning signs of suicide.

Taking triptans, used for headaches, with SSRIs or SNRIs (selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) can cause a very rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome.