Medications for agitation and irritability often include fast-acting options like benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam) for acute calm, or longer-term solutions like antidepressants (SSRIs like Sertraline, Fluoxetine) for mood regulation, and antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine) if linked to mental health conditions, but the best choice depends on the cause, with a doctor guiding treatment, often combining approaches.
The answer depends on the root cause. If anger stems from depression, Prozac or Zoloft may work best. If anger stems from bipolar disorder, Valproate may help. If linked with anxiety, Hydroxyzine can reduce irritability.
Antipsychotic medications for hallucinations, delusions, aggression, agitation, hostility and uncooperativeness:
Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. The most common benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Klonopin®.
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
A mood stabilizer might help slow down racing thoughts, ease irritability, or improve sleep. And in many cases, it helps prevent future episodes from spiraling. Deciding when to start mood stabilizers depends on the pattern and severity of your symptoms.
It can be normal, but if it persists, it may indicate a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Both physical and mental health conditions can cause irritability. Consult your doctor if irritability disrupts your daily life, to rule out underlying conditions.
Treatment
The SSRIs sertraline and citalopram were associated with a reduction in symptoms of agitation when compared to placebo in two studies. Both SSRIs and trazodone appear to be tolerated reasonably well when compared to placebo, typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics.
Benzodiazepines — commonly known as “benzos” — are a group of anxiety medications that can treat anxiety and agitation in short-term situations. Sometimes, agitation may appear in the form of anger. Two fast-acting benzos that can be used to help people calm down are: Alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
A benzodiazepine (lorazepam) is the first line drug of choice to achieve rapid tranquilisation. Antipsychotic medication is considered a second line medication, but can be considered first line in exceptional circumstances. Haloperidol section added.
Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal, control muscle spasms and stiffness caused by certain nerve disorders, and to control seizures.
Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.
Commonly prescribed antidepressants for anger issues
Research shows that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be an effective anger medication for some people. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs for rage or anger include: Citalopram (Celexa) Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Propranolol is a beta blocker first approved by the FDA in 1967 to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Today, many clinicians also prescribe it off-label for short-term, situational anxiety because it calms the body's stress response.
Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. This means they slow down the body and brain's functions. They can be used to help with anxiety and insomnia (difficult getting to sleep or staying asleep).
SSRIs that may help reduce anger and irritability include:
Escitalopram (Lexapro) Paroxetine (Paxil)
Irritability causes include vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle triggers (such as increased stress). Symptoms of severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B6 deficiencies may include irritability.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood.” DMDD symptoms are severe.
For example, you may feel very energised and impulsive, while feeling upset or tearful. Or you may feel very agitated or irritable. You may also experience highs and lows very quickly after the other, within the same day or hour.