Lamotrigine (Lamictal) for Borderline Personality Disorder: Is This Medication an Option?

Written By Sage Nestler, MSW

by Sage Nestler, MSW

While there are currently no FDA approved medications for borderline personality disorder (BPD), sometimes anti-psychotic medications, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medication might be prescribed. Especially if an individual lives with other conditions where these medications have been effective.

However, there is one medication that has been debated online and in research. Lamotrigine (Lamical) is a medication used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder.  It is a mood stabilizer and has been studied to target emotion dysregulation in BPD. 

Some studies found that Lamotrigine (Lamictal) was not effective in the treatment of BPD after a twelve-month period (Crawford et al., 2018). Another research study did not find it to be productive when targeting the core symptoms of BPD. The study resulted in inconsistent evidence that this medication was effective in managing BPD, particularly with mood stabilization, impulsivity, and aggression (Pahwa et al, 2025).

Some people can have both BPD and bipolar disorder. But diagnosis is inconsistent since a lot of symptoms overlap.

Bipolar disorder is a condition where medication is a large part of treatment. This is why it is possible that those with BPD who also have bipolar disorder and are taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) see improvements.

But many experts do not recommend medication as the primary treatment for BPD. It can worsen symptoms in some cases, such as increasing suicidal tendencies (Cirino, 2023).

However, another study found that when this medication is used as part of treatment for BPD - but not the focus of treatment – it can show some promising improvements in mood stabilization (Ade et al., 2024).

Overall, studies have found inconsistent results and evidence in the effectiveness of Lamotrigine (Lamical) as part of treatment for BPD.

Medication might be prescribed to treat specific symptoms that can be present with BPD, such as depression and anxiety. But therapy is still the most effective treatment in the long-term. Especially when it comes to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization therapy, and schema-focused therapy.

BPD is a complex illness that requires treatment using a variety of methods – such as therapy and support groups. Medication can sometimes be prescribed for targeted symptoms, but it is not an effective focus of treatment.

Side effects can also be damaging. Individualized treatment plans are required for people with BPD due to the broad spectrum that BPD presents and the specific needs and symptoms of each person (Cirino, 2023).

It is essential to speak with your provider or a trusted clinician about incorporating medication into your treatment plan for BPD, ask questions, and explore options.

Social media is filled with inconsistent information and “advice” regarding mental health and different conditions. This content should never be taken as fact or clinical advice.

BPD is one condition that comes with a lot of debate and inconsistent or untrue perceptions when discussing medication.

Speaking with a trusted professional and not relying on social media content for information is essential.

Sage Nestler, MSW https://linktr.ee/sagenestlermsw
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