Anger is a normal emotion everyone occasionally feels. You may have an anger problem if you find it impossible to stop yourself from becoming outwardly aggressive. Violence, whether verbal or physical, harms you and those around you. Like most mental health struggles, anger can be treated in various ways, including with pharmaceuticals. No definitive anger management medication list exists, but some drugs can complement talk therapies and help people gain better control of their emotions.
What Causes Angry Outbursts?
Anger is a natural emotion most people feel when facing perceived injustices, frustrations and threats. You might feel anger when facing conflicts with others, work-related stress or unforeseen financial issues. Internal factors, such as unmet expectations or past trauma, may also trigger it.
Struggling to manage your emotions can have negative consequences and damage your relationships. Anger in itself isn’t a mental health issue, but it can signal an underlying condition, including:
- Intermittent explosive disorder. People with this condition may respond to certain situations with disproportionate anger outbursts and aggression.
- Bipolar disorder. When people with bipolar go through mania or hypomania, they may experience an increase in irritability.
- Borderline personality disorder. Emotional dysregulation is one main symptom of BPD. People with this condition experience intense emotions, including anger, and may become self-destructive during episodes.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Typically known for symptoms that include hyperactivity and inattention, ADHD can also cause issues with regulating emotions and impulse control.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder. Reminders of traumatic events, or flashbacks, can cause strong emotional responses in people with PTSD, including anger.
- Depression. While depression is commonly associated with feelings of sadness, it sometimes manifests as irritability.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with OCD may experience anger or frustration when their rituals are disrupted or they can’t control intrusive thoughts.
- Substance use disorder. Excessive drinking and some illicit drugs, such as stimulants, can increase irritability and cause aggressive outbursts.
Potential Anger Management Medication List
While not usually the first line of treatment, medication can be helpful in conjunction with therapy. Taking medicine for anger problems may not address the underlying causes of anger, but it can reduce the intensity of your outbursts. Some pharmaceuticals your doctor could recommend might include:
- Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline, can treat anger by regulating your mood and emotions. These types of antidepressants are generally well-tolerated but not without side effects.
- Mood stabilizers. Commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers, including lithium, or anticonvulsants, such as valproate or lamotrigine, may help reduce the frequency and intensity of angry outbursts.
- Antipsychotics. Newer antipsychotic medications, such as quetiapine, risperidone and aripiprazole, could help manage anger.
- Anxiety medication. Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for anxiety relief. While these medications can provide immediate relief from anxiety, they’re habit-forming. In some cases, benzodiazepines can worsen anger symptoms.
Some over-the-counter supplements may help promote calmness and reduce irritability. Options you might want to try before resorting to psychiatric drugs include sleep aids, such as melatonin or diphenhydramine, and herbal supplements, including valerian root and chamomile.
Are Anger Meds Effective?
Used alongside interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, medications can be a valuable tool in helping you control emotional outbursts. However, without addressing the underlying cause, medication alone is unlikely to “cure” your anger management issues.
Your doctor can determine the type of pharmaceuticals to prescribe based on your circumstances. Most psychiatric drugs may have unpleasant side effects. Common adverse effects may include sexual dysfunction, digestive issues, weight fluctuation and changes to your energy levels.
Tips for Anger Relief
Self-regulating while in the middle of an anger episode can feel impossible. However, implementing changes in your day-to-day life may help you stay in control. Some strategies to help you regain your calm include:
- Take a break. Step away from the situation, take a few deep breaths and count to 10 to help calm your mind and release the tension you’re feeling.
- Express yourself. Find healthy ways to express your feelings, such as journaling or engaging in creative outlets. When you feel overwhelmed by anger, try expressing your thoughts through humor instead of having an outburst.
- Exercise. Physical activity, such as brisk walking, can help release pent-up energy and tension.
If feelings of anger persistently interfere with your daily life and relationships, consider seeking mental health treatment. A qualified therapist can teach you coping skills and help you address the underlying issues causing your anger.
Do you need help controlling your emotions? Reaching out to the Mental Health Hotline is the first step in getting the therapy you need from a trustworthy provider. Contact us today — we’re here 24-7 to offer free, confidential advice.
