Energy Drinks and Caffeine Intoxication

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Caffeine is one of the most used beverages in the world. Some people drink caffeine because they enjoy the taste, it can improve their endurance, makes them wake up, or suppress their appetites. However, there are many negative side effects which include headaches, insomnia, nervousness, heartburn, and anxiety. Caffeine is addictive and a drug. The longer people drink caffeine, the more they have to drink to have the same effect to stay awake.

In Healing ADD, Daniel G. Amen, M.D., states: “In the short run caffeine makes you feel more focused” (211). But, consuming 250mg of caffeine in one day, which is more than one Rockstar energy drink or a venti from Starbucks, can cause some scary side effects. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary states that caffeine intoxication side effects include “restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushed face” as well as irregular heart rhythms, twitching, stomach irritation, and even death (302). One teenager in particular died of cardiac arrest from having two twenty-four ounce Monster energy drinks in a 24-hour period.

According to Dr. Hal Harden, when people who are sensitive to caffeine drink a small amount, they could suffer from not sleeping soundly for a few nights in a row. If people don’t sleep soundly, they can be extra tired. Then, in turn, they tend to drink more caffeine to make themselves wake up.

Caffeine also gives people the jitters, anxiety, nervousness, and severe headaches. If people drink caffeine and they need to sit still, they usually can’t keep from fidgeting with their clothes or getting up and down. Not only do people get the jitters, they can also be nervous and have anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry. People can experience more anxiety than usual ...

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... easy to stop drinking caffeine, so follow some of these guidelines and push through.

Works Cited

Amen, Daniel G. Healing ADD. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2001. Print.

“Caffeine Intoxication.” Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 2001 ed. Print.

“Caffeine Withdrawal.” Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 2001 ed. Print.

Harden, Hal. M.D. Personal interview. 17 Nov. 2013.

James, Jack E. "Acute and Chronic Effects of Caffeine on Performance, Mood, Headache, and Sleep." Neuropsychobiology 38.1 (1998): 32-41. ProQuest. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.

Reddy, Sumathi. "A Coffee Withdrawal Diagnosis; Quitting Caffeine is Now Listed as a Mental-Health Disorder; the Best Ways to Break the Habit." Wall Street Journal (2013). ProQuest. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

Schupska, Stephanie. "Not Enough Sleep: 7 Serious Health Risks." WebMD, LLC. 5 Oct. 2010. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.

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