Could lithium 300mg be accelerating my anger into rage?
Question posted by lmnopqrstuv on 1 April 2014
Last updated on 8 August 2023
Been taking this dose for 14 days now... Started yelling daily after about 5 days on med... I thought it was circumstantial anger so I ignored my level of anger ... But it is so frequent and I am SO out of character with yelling ( normally once every 1-2 yrs) ... I've yelled at both my 13yr old and my husband in the past week for stuff that I normally communicate (or placate) through... I spoke with my doc and she thinks it is too early to judge this medication. Suicidal thoughts are less than half what they were. I have no physically bothersome side effects... I live in a hateful state (possibly better than sad&hopeless ) . . . But I am hateful in spirit and in words ... I suffer with sever depression, anxiety and some sort of paranoia... Doc says she doesn't think I'm bipolar, and this med is known to reduce suicidal thoughts and help with depression. Doc acts like I shouldn't attribute my anger/rage/hate to this med QUESTION: am I alone in having this reaction??? If so, then I concede that it's all in my head and not related to this med.
I did read an entry where a drugs.com member asked a similar question, but there were other drug and drug interaction possibilities.
Please help. Even if u don't have an account or have interest in this site... I feel like I need to know if this has happened to someone before... Yelling can be dangerous to relationships... I realize my part in controlling my anger but if there is a chemical throwing fuel on my flame I need to know... please
Funny how medications affects people differently. My hypomanic episodes were characterized by extreme rage , hostility, and aggression. All gone now on lithium 1500mg and Vraylar 6mg!
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TR
Trenate
16 Jan 2018
I take it to and I've become more aggressive and confrontational which I usually run from confrontation
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JW
Jw1026
12 Jan 2018
Started on 300 mg lithium 2 months ago. Sounds like we are in the same boat. I am going to start weening myself off. I have always been a negative type but not so hateful. I seem to be getting more paranoid and i dont like the feeling.
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DE
Deuces4Tutu
8 Jan 2018
Within one week of taking lithium I was erupting over the most basic of irritants, never mind the mega stressors in my life!! I reported this to my therapist, prompting a blood eval which turned up only trace amounts of lithium in my system. My dosage was then increased in an attempt to find a sweet spot for eliminating my fury fueled outbursts. So far, I’ve felt/noticed zero decline in my spontaneous hateful episodes :( Other symptoms experienced include stomach pain/nausea, sudden exhaustion, extreme thirst and frequent urination, and my brain is foggy at times too. Yet on the other hand, I’m productive again (ya-hoo) Best wishes
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CA
canadabehr
8 May 2017
Hello imnovpqtsruv,
Lithium definitely is a mood stabilizer. It shouldn't make you anymore angry than you are. In fact it should make you docile or subdue. Lithium takes away one's personality especially when treating it for manic behavior.
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FA
fay27
4 June 2017
lithium made me angry and violent ,so i dont take it at all for bp1.
JU
Julesmore
8 May 2017
I have been on 1500 milligrams of lithium for approximately the past three years. About a year ago I started getting mad and thought that it was because of my job. Like my husband said, I wake up man I go through my entire day mad and I go to bed mad. Approximately eight months ago the I started getting mad for about 2 minutes and then it instantly flamed into a scary rage. And I mean really really scary. To the point where I might have hurt someone. I came across a medical website stating that lithium can often cause rage. I was attributing this anger to a hostile work environment claim I had going on. After finding the website I started to wean myself off of the pills and talked to my doctor He said that I may have lithium toxicity, which is an excess of lithium in your bloodstream. So we tested and I did not have an excess. He told me to keep weaning off then if I started having bipolar or manic episodes to get back on it.
It's been about 2 weeks now and I'm at half my original dose and I haven't felt serious anger or rage at all. It was a huge blessing because I don't know if my husband and I would have even stayed married. I would check with your doctor about an alternative med.
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PU
purplelily
5 March 2017
I took lithium for about a month and had to stop to due my terrible anger, which I never had a problem with before. My anger would flash up and I would explode, almost without realizing it. I also felt dizzy and depressed. I hated every minute of the day no matter what I was doing. I had no appetite for food at all. I was extremely itchy, so I'm wondering if it was some sort of allergic reaction?
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FO
focalpop
21 July 2018
I understand how you feel. I was placed on lithium a month ago. In the morning I can't walk. My balance is way off, I'm Dizzy also in the morning. I have bouts of anger an paranoia during the day and say strange evil things like Im possessed. The first week on lithium I also had crying spells and then the anger and finally the buying sprees. I type correctly on my computer anymore. i also heard inner voices that were not mine for the first time and I have no appetite either yet my stomach hurts from the lithium. My psychiatrist told me its your bipolar disorder. She thinks its like God's Creation or something. Now Im taking 1200 mg and she thinks I'm imagining my side effects. I told her I wanted Lamictal again but she wont prescribe it. I have to freak on her to get my meds changed but that doesn't work anymore either.
LE
LEXYT
24 Nov 2016
You know my psychiatrist put me on 300mg and I'm about 2 weeks or so into it and I'm bipolar 1 and let me tell you ever since I've been well in the beginning I cried like I've never cried b4 to now angry as hell like not in a safe way. I wanna stop taking this crap because I could hurt someone if not. I told her when I saw her it's making me angry but maybe I didn't state how angry psycho I am. I feel crazy and out of freaking control.
Votes: +1
CM
cmcounsil
8 Feb 2017
I realize this post is Quite old but I am DESPERATE to know if the Lithium was the Culprit in this case OR in ANY OTHERS?! My 17 year old son who is diagnosed as Bipolar was prescribed (just Yesterday) 300 mg Lithium then it is to Increase to 600 mg after 3 days... BUT both him & I am EXTREMELY WORRIED because he had the most Severe fit of Rage today that we have EVER experienced & very Easily could have turned dangerous (regular teenage struggles, drama, etc). Although he has always struggled with verbal aggression & minor destructive behaviors when in a fit of Rage (basic punching doors, throwing things, empty threats/hear of moment type); Nothing EVER this scary/serious) not Ever! He expressed concern that it has to be from the meds (even though it was just 1 dose), cuz if not, then WHAT could cause such instantaneous scary Anger/Rage???
I am withholding tonight's dose & further (hopefully ppl can relate & reply) as I am inclined to believe Prescribed Lithium MUST HAVE A SEVERE SIDE EFFECT OF ANGER/RAGE that is NOT properly noted & explained under side effect history AnyWhere (not even as a Rare side effect on the Pharmacy Pamplet on Lithium) & I will be damned before allowing my son to suffer in rage, constantly praying & crossing fingers him or no-one else gets physically hurt because of some Medication (That is research supported to Help reduce these exact same effects it's causung!!! ) ANY response welcomed, THANKS!!
CM
cmcounsil
8 Feb 2017
I realize this post is quite old, but I NEED to know if Lithium was the Culprit! My 17 yr old son only took 1 dose 300mg's just Yesterday & already suffered EXACTLY the anger/rage u explained.. Super SCARY! He insists,it HAS TO BE THE MED & if NOT then he is even more worried cuz it was so scary (like literally almost homicidal type anger he experienced) & this has NEVER happened to him EVER before! I hope to get a response from ANY/EVERYone with ANY Insight on this matter (am so mad there is No available medical research expressing this as a possible side effect (not even listed as a Rare side effect on pharmacy pamplet)
LM
lmnopqrstuv
13 Feb 2017
For me, the original post being mine, I believe it was the medicine.
Having been on Effexor now, for the longest and largest reduction in extreme feelings (suicicidality the largest concern for me) I am confident it was the medicine that contributed to my emotionally charged anger ( owning that the anger is mine, but the emotional response was ridiculously out of proportion) .
-hope this helps. Breathe and hug your son for me, silently sharing that love doesn't need words.
I have been on lithium for 8 years. Im fine! It helped me out of a major depression plus i dont suffer from them anymore and had suffered for over 25 years! Lithium has given me my life back. But everyone's different with meds so i would get a second opinion from a psychiatrist. Good luck and take care!.
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CR
CrazyBPlrMe81
5 Aug 2016
Hi I'm on lithium too.. At first, it definitely increased & intensified my anger.. After talking to my doc, I increased my dose and most of the time the anger is manageable, but up to 4 days before and during my period, my anger is WAY worse. Of coarse my doc is a man & doesn't quite understand (in my opinion). It's really annoying because ALL my labs come back normal every time. We thought it was a hormone issue but nope. Thyroid, nope. Liver, nope. Kidneys, nope. Caffeine intake, nope. Just keep track of days & times when it's worse. Make a note of what you ate/drank, how much sleep you got the night before, if you're close to or having your period, etc. iAs much info you keep track of, you could find the cause. I wish you luck and less angry days <3
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AN
andi555
29 April 2014
I wldnt doubt if it was the meds causin u 2 act ths way iv seen lithium make ppl so looney tht theyv violently attackd their own brother u may b havin a bad reaction
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WI
WildcatVet
5 Aug 2016
I've never heard of this type of reaction... How strange.
KA
kaismama
1 April 2014
You have to allow people to express how they feel. You will have an angry 13 yr old who internalizes it, or blows up at nothing. Depression can be a big cause of anger. Its one of my major signs. I would say its too soon to judge too. However, why lithium instead of an antidepressant if you're not bi polar? I would talk to my family and ask them to help while you get on medication. Tell them that you aren't really reacting to them, but to an anger inside you. Family therapy may help.
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LM
lmnopqrstuv
2 April 2014
I've tried a TON of anti depressants. I liked most of them for a while. I can't tolerate ANY drowseyness :/ I guess I'm a light weight :)
We've done couples counseling, and I do family counseling with my daughter... My husband is not my child's father... So he doesn't participate in her life very much. Just tonight I handed her the phone, he is away at work... They ended the convo and she said she loved him before hanging up. She, unprovoked/unquestioned, told me it felt strange because they rarely say that to one another ... He knows I believe there is an unhealthy distance and that ...
Let me stay on track - my situation in life/marriage is as good as it can get under the circumstances ... I am totally committed to being a solid/good mom... That's why I can't be patient with a med that makes me/contributes to me blowing my lid... I'm not all my daughter has, but I'm the only one coaching/listening/contributing.
About two years ago I was at the planning stage of suicide, I was going to take her with me as she was the only thing I live for - I cry in admitting this, but it's why I allow / seek medication ... I feel / believe my husband and her father has a great love for her, they just don't know how to be good/attentive/interested/loving dad/step dad.
I'm sorry if I went off track... I don't think family therapy is an option my husband will entertain.
Lithium my doc said, and it is confirmed by online data, is good at reducing suicidal thoughts (and attempts). I think that is why she has me on it.
I am going to only take it every other day (I really just want to quit). My appointment is in less than 2 weeks. This might be a happy medium... Or at least it will keep me safe until my next appointment.
WI
WildcatVet
1 April 2014
Hi, Im! Everyone can react somewhat differently to medications so anything's possible, but anger is not reported as a side effect of lithium (at least as I could find so far). My doctor added lithium to my cocktail BECAUSE of my anger issues and I have to say it works beautifully. I'm wondering if it's possible that your depression might be lifting and you're feeling emotions that have been repressed for so long that they feel overwhelming? I wish I could be of more help. Others will be along shortly and I'm sure they'll have some imput for you. Best wishes, WCV
Votes: +1
LM
lmnopqrstuv
1 April 2014
The lack of data that hints to increased aggression is what led me to post on drugs.com... Thank u for your consideration and sharing your lithium experiences.
My family (husband/child/house... Possibly my childhood family too to an extent) is such that we don't allow expression of dissatisfaction/irritation... I'd like that atmosphere to change as we try to allow the 13 yr old to express herself...
WI
WildcatVet
1 April 2014
:-{ I grew up in a domestic situation where NO emotions were expressed, except of course by my foster father. No anger, but also no laughter or happiness. I was in my mid-20's before I learned it was okay to smile!
IV
Ivanisgreat
7 Jan 2018
It has made me so aggressive, rude and anxious. From the first day that I took it, I began to scream at my parents and yell at everyone who tried to trigger my OCD. It is hell. God, I don't know what to do.