What medications are on the market for managing anger ? According to current literature, there are no medications designed specifically to treat anger; however, there are those designed to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression that often lead to anger. Three possible choices are SSRI , Tricyclic Antidepressants and Lifestyle Alternatives.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor or SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is a medication that blocks the reuptake of serotonin allowing more serotonin to remain in the brain; this increases the functions of neurotransmitters that trigger an improved sense of well-being and mood. Common SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and, Lexapro.
While SSRIs do help alleviate some anxiety symptoms, they also come with many possible side effects such as nervousness, diarrhea, headaches,sleeplessness, increased risk for blood clotting and impaired sexual functioning .Sometimes SSRIs produce the "serotonin syndrome" which often occurs when a patient takes several prescriptions in the form of drug overdose or inadvertent interactions in the recreational use of drugs. Serotonin syndrome comes with symptoms that may range from barely perceptible alterations in behavior to serious symptoms such as hallucination, seizures and drug induced coma.
There are safety concerns as well with SSRIs for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Sometimes SSRIs can worsen the symptoms of depression and lead to suicidal thoughts, especially for young people in their late teens and early twenties. In several studies, SSRIs seem to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in both children and adults. Studies have also linked them to increased risk of death in patients with coronary heart disease. Close monitoring by a physician is essential for anyone taking SSRI.
Tricyclic Anti-depressants or TCA
Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) which have also been used for anxiety/anger treatment, regulate the functioning of neurotransmitters in a way similar to that of the SSRIs. TCAs come with side-effects as well which include cognitive and memory difficulties, constipation, restlessness, dry mouth, muscle twitches, disorientation or confusion, headache, sexual dysfunction, increased heart rate, increased appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, urinary retention, weight gain, and weakness. TCAs can be lethal if misused at high doses;they have been implicated with the possibility of causing serious cardiac complications. TCAs are the leading cause of death by drug overdose in the United States. TCAs have also been implicated with causing increased suicidal thoughts and behavior.
TCAs should not be used by people with cardiac conditions. Nor should they be taken by individuals who are using thyroid supplements, oral contraceptives,anti-hypertensive medication or anti-psychotic drugs. Common TCAs include Tofranil, Elavil and Pamelor. As with SSRIs, TCAs should be used only with close doctor supervision.
Lifestyle Alternatives
In light of the dangers of antidepressant medication, one should consider many non-medication alternatives that work quite well for patients with anger issues. Exercise, for example, is a great alternative to medication therapy. Exercise boosts BDNF, a brain-derived neuro-trophic factor that protects neurons against cortisol (the stress hormone) in areas of the brain that control mood.A Finnish study shows that people who exercise regularly experience significantly less depression, anger or stress. Other ways to reduce anger are meditation, aromatherapy, light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy for anger management. Even the use of an Electroencephalograph Biofeedback machine to monitor one's behavior and emotions can be helpful.
Whatever option one chooses for dealing with anger issues, it is important to consult a family doctor or professional for the most effective guidance and therapy.
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