Energy Drinks Linked to Caffeine Poisoning

January 2009

Store shelves are filled with energy drinks that give consumers a caffeine-fueled boost. Despite their popularity, however, these drinks and other energy products can have side effects serious enough to require a call to poison control or an emergency room visit.

Caffeine poisoning is especially common among those under the age of 19. In many cases, officials report, college students take too many energy drinks or tablets to stay awake while cramming for exams. The health risks of consuming too much caffeine can include a fast heart beat, headaches, vomiting, shaking, trouble breathing, and diarrhea.

Reported cases of caffeine poisoning are climbing. In Oklahoma City, for example, officials received 31 calls for caffeine poisoning in 2006. This number grew to 80 calls in 11 months in 2008. The American Beverage Association has said that its drinks are not dangerous when used correctly.