Everyone gets angry from time to time. It’s a completely normal emotion to experience; however, when anger becomes explosive or difficult to control, it can not only harm you, but also those around you. For some people, a doctor might prescribe medication for anger management to help you better manage your intense reactions.
Keep reading to learn more about the types of medications used to manage anger, which ones to avoid, and techniques you can try on your own to help yourself calm down in the heat of the moment.
Many things can cause one to feel angry, including conflict with others, financial and work stress, unresolved trauma, or underlying mental health disorders. One study found that social rejection, frustration, and social stress can also play a role in anger and aggression.
Anger is a surface emotion that masks deeper feelings of anxiety or shame. When these emotions are brushed off, even the smallest trigger can exacerbate them, causing you to have an explosive reaction. Some mental health conditions can also make you sensitive to stress or reduce your impulse control, so your anger might become more frequent or harder to manage.
Disorders with anger symptoms include:
It’s important to note that anger is emotional in that it makes one feel frustrated, disrespected, overwhelmed. However, aggression is a behavior. When anger is left unchecked, it can escalate into aggression.
Doctors commonly treat patients with anger through therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). These evidence-based psychotherapies help people understand their triggers, regulate their emotions, and respond to stress in healthier ways. However, when therapy alone isn’t enough or anger is caused by a psychiatric condition, your healthcare provider may recommend medication to help stabilize your mood and reduce your reactivity.
Medication doesn’t cure anger, but it can address the underlying symptoms that contribute to it, including mood instability, anxiety, or impulse control. Here’s a breakdown of each type of medication for anger management:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed when anger is caused by conditions like depression or anxiety. They increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is thought to reduce irritability and make you less reactive to stressors.
Commonly prescribed medications include Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Sertraline (Zoloft). One study found that patients with high levels of irritability responded well to sertraline and saw improvements in mood and anger expression within a couple of weeks.
While SSRIs can treat anger symptoms, they can come with the following adverse effects:
Anxiety influences how we process frustration and anger. For those whose anger is caused by anxiety, medications may be used short-term to manage acute agitation or reactivity. Common medications used are benzodiazepines, like lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax).
These medications calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of emotional responses. One review found that lorazepam was clinically effective for treating acutely agitated patients.
However, benzodiazepines are not meant for long-term use in anger management. They carry a high risk of dependence and can increase irritability or impulsivity in some patients. Possible side effects may include:
Atypical antidepressants may be prescribed when anger is related to mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality or conduct disorders. These medications regulate dopamine levels and stabilize mood, thus reducing hostility and aggressive behavior.
Research shows that atypical antipsychotics are more effective than typical antipsychotics at reducing hostility, especially in those with comorbid conduct disorders. Common medications include risperidone, aripiprazole, clozapine, and olanzapine.
While effective, these medications can come with the following side effects:
Similar to atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers may be used in cases of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in children. These medications balance emotional highs and lows.
Common mood stabilizers include carbamazepine, lithium, and valproic acid. In some cases, low-dose lithium has been shown to reduce irritability and aggressive behaviors.
As with other psychiatric medications, mood stabilizers can cause side effects, such as:
While some medications can help calm anger, others may actually make it worse. A study from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy identified the top 10 drugs most associated with aggression or irritability:
For example, alprazolam was found to cause irritability in about 33% of users. This is despite it being used to treat anxiety and mood symptoms.
Additionally, alcohol is strongly linked to aggressive behavior and violence. While not every person who drinks becomes aggressive, research consistently shows that alcohol increases the risk of violent behavior in both animals and humans.
There’s no FDA-approved medication specifically for anger. Instead, treatment focuses on the underlying cause, so what works for one person may not work for you.
In fact, in most cases, medication isn’t the first step. Therapy, self-help strategies, and lifestyle changes are usually recommended first. Your doctor may recommend medication if your symptoms don’t subside with other treatments.
If you’re struggling with uncontrolled anger, talk to a mental health provider. They can help find what’s behind your symptoms and determine whether medication could be a helpful part of your treatment plan.
The length of time for anger management medication to take effect can depend on the person, the type of medication, and the underlying diagnosis. Some people may notice improvements within one to two weeks, while others may not notice anything for several weeks.
It’s important to stay consistent with your medication and keep up with regular follow-ups with your provider. They may suggest adjusting the dosage or changing the medication until you find what works best.
Medication can only help so much, which is why it’s important to have tools you can use in the moment when anger starts to build. These quick strategies can help you regain control over the situation and avoid saying or doing something you’ll regret later:
These won’t eliminate your anger, but they will give you the space to respond more intentionally instead of reacting impulsively.
Don’t let anger control your life. If intense or frequent anger is affecting your relationships, work, or health, medication may be the next step.
The mental health providers at Cura Behavioral Health can help you explore the causes of your anger and determine the best path forward. If you’re looking for therapy or medication management for anger in Los Angeles, contact us today to discuss your options.
Low-Dose Lithium: A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment – Psychiatric Times
Alcohol, Drugs of Abuse, Aggression, and Violence – National Academies Press
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
