Anger Medication: Is It the Only Alternative?

Should anger medication be used to manage anger in children and teens? The bottom line is this-- the choice to use prescriptions for anger should only be made after studying the pros and cons of anger medication as well as other alternative methods or options available for anger management.

What medications are on the market for anger management? There are no medications designed strictly to treat anger; however, there are those designed to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression that are often predisposed effects of anger. Common anti-depressant medication prescribed today for depression related symptoms are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Effexor.

These types of medication are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin reuptake inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin leaving more serotonin in the brain, which enhances the neurotransmitters that trigger the nerve impulses that lead to improved mood. Improved mood may lessen the incidents of angry outbursts, but does not end them completely.

However, with SSRIs come many possible side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, increased sweating, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, rash, restlessness, sexual dysfunctions, and weight gain. SSRIs do come with one very potential serious side effect-- the serotonin syndrome. This occurs when a patient is taking several prescriptions at once: anti-depressants, pain relief medications, prescribed migraine medications, and certain supplements.

Serotonin syndrome comes with several symptoms that may gravitate to hallucination, seizures and drug induced coma.Sometimes SSRIs can worsen the symptoms of depression and lead to suicidal thoughts, especially for those within the 18-24 age range. As reported by drug company Ely Lily, ADD patients prescribed Prozac are twelve times more likely to commit suicide than those with ADD who are not on medication. Anyone taking SSRI should be closely monitored by his or her physician.

Another form of medication commonly used for effects associated with anger is Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs). They deal with the functioning of neurotransmitters similar to those of the SSRIs. Current TCA medications on the market today are Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil. TCAs come with their own set of side effects; some are similar to those of the SSRIs. They include drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, disorientation or confusion, headache, impaired sexual functioning, increased heart rate, increased appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, urinary retention, weight gain, and weakness. TCAs also carry the following risks: increased incidents of heart attack, lowered blood sugar levels, and worsening of depression which may lead to suicidal thoughts.

Can anger medication help a teen with anger issues?

In some situations, medications can help with anger issues as in the case of people who suffer from epileptic seizures. An epileptic seizure alters the brain temporarily, producing a common side effect-- anger. In this situation, the prescribed anti-convulsion medications taken by epileptic patients provide great results for the of control anger outbursts.

However, there are other non-medication alternatives that work quite well for patients with anger issues. Exercise is a great alternative to medication therapy. It increases the release of feel-good endorphins, which automatically lower the incidence of anger. Other ways to reduce anger are meditation, aromatherapy, and light therapy. Anger management cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of anger. It may or may not include medications; however, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of using such therapy as an alternative to medications whenever possible.

If you have a child who is dealing with anger issues, consult your family doctor or a professional to help guide you both in the right direction. Educate yourself on what anger is and how you can help him or her work through anger. There are many natural resources that can help your child with anger.