Irritability (most often a weak word) is common during my hypomanias and full blown manias. I can go from elated to nuclear missle in seconds, if triggered. It almost got me fired from my old job where I had multiple behavioral reprimands, made me lose many friends, caused me to stop going to several stores/restaurants that witnessed severe outbursts, caused me to be dragged into isolation rooms in the psych hospital many times and given injections, made one therapist "suspend" me and tell my psychiatrist that I "scared her", and they also caused physical injuries (pretty much always mine).

Obviously the right medications make a difference. In my case, almost always an antipsychotic or benzo. My psychiatrist increases my dose, when needed. He also gives me extra supplies to use at my own discretion (or forced by my husband) "as needed".

Therapy helps, too. Preparing one's proper reactions ahead of time is useful. For example, if a tailgater annoys me, instead of retaliatory agression, I pull over to let them pass. Or, as anger rises, frequent reminders to self beforehand to take "time outs" or stepping away.

As irritable or mixed manic states develop, I try to lay low, see if lowered stress de-escalates it, or take the "as neededs". If these don't work, I call my psychiatrist.