Medication for Anger

We’ve all experienced anger at one time or another in our lives. Maybe it’s the frustration of being cut off in traffic, an argument that spirals out of control, or feeling unheard. Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but when it starts to affect your relationships, work, or everyday life, it can become a serious problem. At that point, you might wonder how to overcome your anger or if there’s even medication for anger to help you feel some kind of relief.

Anger management can take effort, but there is hope. We’ll discuss what causes anger, medications that may help, and other treatments to consider.

What Causes Anger?

Anger is your body’s way of responding to situations that feel unfair, harmful, or threatening. It’s often a sign that something in your environment or within yourself needs immediate attention.

However, anger isn’t always caused by what’s happening to you in the current moment. It can be linked to a mix of deeper emotions and past experiences. If you’ve ever found yourself lashing out in frustration, that’s your mind’s way of expressing something you might not have the words for yet.

For some, anger can be a result of past wounds, including trauma, neglect, or rejection. Negative experiences like being bullied, excluded, or mistreated can quietly build over time which can turn into a quick temper or a tendency to react strongly when those old feelings resurface.

Anger, while often misunderstood, is also a form of self-preservation. It’s your psyche’s way of saying, “Something isn’t right here.” That’s why it’s important to get to the root cause of your anger so you can effectively treat it.

Is Anger a Mental Illness or a Symptom?

Anger on its own isn’t a mental illness, but it is a predominant symptom in several mental health disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), anger is a criterion for the following five conditions:

Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

Anger is also a common symptom in depression and anxiety. In depression, anger presents as irritability or frustration, which is sometimes directed inward. In anxiety, it can be a reaction to feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
Anger on its own isn’t a mental illness, but it is a predominant symptom in several mental health disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), anger is a criterion for the following five conditions:

Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

Types of Medications for Anger Management

Medications are not typically the first-line of treatment for anger management. In most cases, therapy and other non-medication treatments are preferred.

However, medications may be prescribed when anger is a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These medications are not designed to treat anger directly but can help address the root causes.

Antidepressants for Anger

Antidepressants may be prescribed to help stabilize mood and reduce irritability. Here are some medications that may be used:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Used for depression and anxiety disorders
- Shown to help with pathological irritability and anger (PIA)
- Common side effects include insomnia, agitation, tremors, and increased anxiety
Citalopram (Celexa)
- Prescribed for depression-related anger issues
- Fewer activating side effects compared to Fluoxetine
Sertraline (Zoloft)
- May be effective for anger linked to depression and anxiety
- Better tolerated in terms of agitation compared to Fluoxetine

Anxiety Medications for Anger

Sometimes, anger is a symptom of anxiety or agitation. In these cases, anxiety medications may help in the short term. Here are some examples:

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Lorazepam)
- Fast-acting medications that may calm anxiety and agitation
- Useful for short-term anger or agitation relief
- Can be habit-forming and can occasionally have the opposite desired effect

While helpful for immediate relief, benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term use due to their potential for dependency and mood-altering side effects.

Mood Stabilizers for Anger

Mood stabilizers are prescribed for those experiencing severe mood swings or anger outbursts, especially in conditions like bipolar disorder. Common options include:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- May be used for anger linked to neurological or mood disorders
- Side effects include sedation, dizziness, double vision, and rash
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Similar to Carbamazepine but generally better tolerated
- Possible side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset or liver enzyme changes
Valproate (Depakote)
- May help with bipolar-related anger and rage episodes
- Common side effects include tremors, nausea, and upset stomach

For severe bipolar-related mania and rage, Lithium alongside an antipsychotic may be prescribed. Antipsychotics like Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), or Quetiapine (Seroquel) may be added to stabilize extreme anger and mania. Side effects may include weight gain, sedation, or metabolic changes.

Talk Therapy for Anger

While medications can help in certain cases, non-medication treatments, like talk therapy, may be effective as a long-term solution. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and relaxation techniques are evidence-based treatments that provide effective tools for long-term emotional regulation.

CBT is one of the most effective and well-researched treatments for anger management. Studies, including those in prison populations, show that CBT significantly reduces anger and improves emotional control.

Alternatively, DBT is useful for people who feel emotions intensely and struggle to regulate them. This type of talk therapy teaches skills that improve emotional control. DBT skills include mindfulness practices, distress tolerance techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Research shows DBT can reduce anger over time, especially with longer treatment periods.

Can TMS be Used for Anger?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to influence brain activity. By targeting the prefrontal cortex, TMS can alter neural circuits that are involved in interpreting perceived threats or internal triggers for anger.

Research shows that stimulating the prefrontal cortex with TMS can help people manage their anger and reduce violent reactions. These results have been observed in both individuals without mental health diagnoses and those with a diagnosis.

In a recent study, the following groups of people saw improvements in their anger:

Inmates saw reduced physical and verbal aggression after bilateral stimulation of the prefrontal cortex.
Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) showed decreases in irritability and repetitive behaviors.
Agitated patients with Alzheimer’s showed reduced aggressiveness when TMS was paired with medications like risperidone.

While TMS may be promising for anger management, it is rarely recommended as a standalone treatment. It’s most beneficial when combined with other treatments like psychotherapy and medication.

Take the First Step Toward Managing Your Anger

Managing anger can be a challenging task, but with the right treatment, you can get your anger under control. Medication for anger is one option, but many people find success through a combination of medication, talk therapy, relaxation techniques, and treatments like TMS. These treatments target the underlying issues that fuel anger and provide useful tools for managing your emotions in the moment and long-term.

If anger is interfering with your life, now is the time to take action.