Supplements That Can Increase Aggression and How to Avoid Them

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the DEA, the use of anabolic steroids can cause dramatic mood swings, increased hostility, and aggression. While other supplements are far less potent, it is important to be aware of which compounds may negatively influence temperament and what supplements increase aggression, especially when consumed in high doses.

Quick Summary

This article details supplements linked to increased aggression, including anabolic steroids, high-dose caffeine, and certain pre-workout ingredients. It explores how these substances influence mood and behavior while providing information on identifying risks and safer alternatives for enhancing performance without adverse psychological effects.

Key Points

Anabolic steroids cause "roid rage": High doses of anabolic steroids are strongly linked to increased hostility, mood swings, and aggression.
High-dose caffeine increases irritability: Excessive intake of caffeine, common in many pre-workout supplements, can overstimulate the nervous system, causing anxiety and irritability.
Pre-workout formulas can contain risky stimulants: Some pre-workouts include stimulants like yohimbine bark extract, which can trigger severe side effects, including anxiety and mood changes.
Creatine's link to aggression is weak and anecdotal: While some anecdotal reports link creatine to aggression, scientific evidence is limited and suggests it can actually benefit mood, though side effects can occur with high doses.
Nutrient deficiencies are linked to aggression, not supplements: Lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and zinc are associated with increased aggression, but supplementation research is mixed and complex.
Prioritize lifestyle changes over high-risk supplements: Managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet are safer, more effective ways to improve mood and behavior than relying on high-risk supplements.

The Steroid-Aggression Link: A High-Risk Connection

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), often associated with performance enhancement and muscle building, have the most well-documented link to increased aggression. The phenomenon known as "roid rage" describes the mood swings, hostility, and impaired judgment that some individuals experience with steroid use. While causality is not fully clear, high doses of these compounds can amplify pre-existing aggressive and impulsive tendencies. Research also indicates that long-term use can cause structural changes in the brain, including thinning of the cerebral cortex, which may further explain changes in impulsivity and emotion recognition. The hormonal changes associated with high-dose steroid abuse create a potent, high-risk scenario for volatile and aggressive behavior, especially when combined with other substance use.

Stimulants and Nervous System Overload

For those who don't take illegal substances like steroids, stimulants are the next most common supplement category associated with increased irritability and aggression. Caffeine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, is a common ingredient in many pre-workout formulas. While moderate intake can boost alertness, excessive amounts (over 400mg daily) can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response by increasing adrenaline and cortisol production. This overstimulation can lead to jitters, anxiety, and heightened irritability, particularly in individuals who are already sensitive to stimulants. Other ingredients in pre-workouts, such as yohimbine bark extract, are also stimulants that can cause anxiety, seizures, and mood fluctuations in some users. Regular, high-dose consumption of stimulants can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and increased mood disturbances.

Other Compounds and Contextual Factors

While less directly linked than steroids or high-dose stimulants, other supplements and nutritional factors can play a role in mood regulation and behavior. It is worth noting that some studies show lower levels of certain micronutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and zinc, are associated with increased aggression. However, the supplementation research in this area is complex and sometimes contradictory. High doses of creatine have been anecdotally associated with irritability and aggression, although research suggests it is not a direct cause and may even help stabilize mood. Contextual factors, like underlying mental health conditions, personality traits, and lifestyle choices, all interact with supplement use to influence the risk of aggressive outbursts.

A Comparison of Aggression-Linked Supplements


Supplement Category	Primary Mechanism	Risk Level for Aggression	Associated Behavioral Issues
Anabolic Steroids	Hormonal disruption, high testosterone doses	High (Roid Rage)	Hostility, impaired judgment, mood swings
High-Dose Stimulants (Caffeine, Yohimbine)	Central nervous system overstimulation	Moderate	Jitters, irritability, anxiety, restlessness
High-Dose Creatine	Possible neurological effects, anecdotal reports	Low-Moderate (Anecdotal)	Irritability, mood swings (rare), anxiety
Micronutrient Deficiencies (Omega-3, Zinc)	Dysfunctional neurotransmitter activity	Lower (Indirect)	Increased aggression, anxiety (deficiencies, not supplements)

Mitigating Aggression Risks from Supplements

To minimize the risk of aggression from supplements, several strategies are recommended. First, avoid unregulated and illegal performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids entirely. For legal supplements, always read labels and be aware of stimulant content, particularly in pre-workouts. Start with low doses to assess your tolerance and avoid excessive intake, especially with caffeine. Opt for customized or simple supplements with fewer, well-understood ingredients to reduce the risk of unexpected side effects. Focusing on overall wellness, including a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management, is far more beneficial for mood and performance than relying heavily on supplements.

Conclusion

While the search for performance enhancement is popular, it is vital to be aware of how certain supplements can negatively impact mood and increase aggression. Anabolic steroids are the most dangerous and consistently linked to hostile behavior, often referred to as "roid rage". High doses of stimulants like caffeine, commonly found in pre-workouts, can lead to nervousness and irritability by overstimulating the central nervous system. Focusing on lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet rich in nutrients like omega-3s, adequate sleep, and managing stress effectively can help minimize aggression and provide a safer, more sustainable path to health and fitness. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing mental health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some pre-workout supplements can contribute to aggression, particularly those with high doses of stimulants like caffeine or yohimbine. Excessive stimulation can increase anxiety and irritability, which may present as aggression.

Yes, "roid rage" is a well-documented phenomenon where individuals using anabolic steroids experience severe mood swings, heightened aggression, and hostility. High doses can intensify pre-existing impulsive tendencies.

While anecdotal reports of aggression from creatine exist, research does not strongly support a direct link. Some studies even suggest mood-stabilizing benefits, though high doses may cause some individuals to experience irritability.

For most healthy adults, the FDA recommends no more than 400mg of caffeine per day. Some individuals are more sensitive and may experience anxiety and irritability with less, so it's important to monitor your own tolerance.

Yes, lower levels of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and zinc, have been associated with increased aggression. However, this does not mean that taking supplements will necessarily increase aggression.

No, not all stimulants cause aggression, but high doses can. Compounds like yohimbine can produce potent central nervous system effects, including anxiety and mood changes, which can lead to aggressive outbursts in susceptible individuals.

To enhance performance safely, focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, consistent sleep, and effective stress management. If you use supplements, choose simple formulas with low or no stimulants and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.