There are two approaches, not only to this problem but to many similar situations in which for some reason we get hyper-sensitive.
One is to look for a quick fix -- a pill or something. This can definitely help, but there are always side effects. At the very least, you get to depend on the pill to make your feel in control of your life. That's a side effect, but not one the drug manufacturers will warn you about.
The second is to understand yourself, and pay attention to your moods. Forewarned is forearmed, right? That means, if you know what the cause is from the start, you know how to notice the signs, and take measures to prevent unwanted things from happening.
You can be your own best friend. You can keep an eye on the calendar, and when the time approaches where your behavior might become unacceptable to your loved ones, your family, your little children, then give yourself a break.
Compare it to a hiking trip in the outdoors. When you're walking on level ground, you can be carefree, and pay little attention to your surroundings. But when the ground is steep, or slippery, you must prepare in advance: wear shoes with cleats, go more carefully, look where you step.
So when you know you are at risk for doing something outrageous and hurting a loved one, perhaps turning him or her away from you; or, worse, taking it out on a little child: then plan ahead, just as you would for your hiking trip.
Set up as much as possible ahead of time. Before you go to bed at night, make sure everything you need in the morning is ready. That way you will avoid running late or forgetting something important, and ruining your day.
So obviously, avoid drinking or drugging at that time. This will only mess you up next day. Never, ever, let yourself fall into the 'excuse' trap: "Oh, who could blame me for doing this? I feel so terrible!
If you can avoid meeting someone you find difficult to get along with during this time, do so. If you meet them, they will drive you nuts, and you will say something you will regret.
For example, phone and postpone lunch with your sister for next week if you've been arguing a lot lately.
Cancel after-work meeting with friends; keep your schedule simple. Concentrate on what you really have to do and eliminate the rest for the time being.
Stay at home, except for essentials. Schedule comforting things to do; nice long soaks in the bath with your favorite bath salts; listening to music that you usually don't have time for; phoning your best and sweetest friends.
You know what's weird? I find doing something that you really hate and avoid, such as sorting out a pile of magazines: some to recycle, some to drop off at the charity shop, some to 'strip' of important things, recipes, interesting articles, etc., and recycle the rest, and so forth, can feel good at a stressful time when there's nothing better to do. You'll feel so virtuous when you finish! And your life will be just a little simpler afterwards.
Learning to cope is far better than pills. Learning to cope is so useful in so many aspects of life!

Learning to cope stays with you always; pills run out at the worst times!
