Harmful Effects of the Cocaine Energy Drink

Cocaine energy drink is a carbonated beverage that, contrary to its name, does not contain the illicit drug cocaine. According to the company website, Cocaine energy drink contains 350 percent more stimulants than the popular energy drink Red Bull. Though the company lists "extreme amounts of fun as energy" as the top potential side effect, numerous others are associated with Cocaine energy drink ingredients, which include caffeine, taurine and guarana.

Sleep Problems

Due to the dense amount of stimulants contained in Cocaine energy drink, sleep problems may occur. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the more caffeine a person consumes, the more likely he is to experience insomnia--the inability to fall or remain asleep 2. In addition, caffeine-related sleep problems often lead to intense cycles of increased caffeine use as daytime grogginess sets in, followed by further sleep problems. Sleep difficulties are also linked with poor work and school performance, emotional irritability and weight gain.

Emotional Effects

Cocaine energy drink can also pose adverse emotional effects. According to a report published in Drug and Alcohol Dependency in January 2010, the excessive stimulant content in energy drinks, which often remains unknown, can lead to caffeine toxicity 1. Emotional symptoms of caffeine toxicity include severe anxiety, nervousness and paranoia and symptoms that mimic anxiety disorder. Caffeine withdrawal between bouts of drinking Cocaine energy drink may also disturb moods. A person may feel groggy, irritable or depressed until she consumes the beverage. A stimulant "crash" may also occur once the effects of caffeine and other stimulants wear off, resulting in lethargy or depressive moods.

Digestive Upset and Dehydration

The stimulants in Cocaine energy drink may cause numerous digestive symptoms, including stomach ache, nausea and upset stomach. Since stimulants have a diuretic effect, the energy drinks may cause frequent need to urinate. Excessive caffeine consumption may lead to dehydration, according to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. In severe cases, dehydration leads to electrolyte imbalances—improper levels of vital bodily salts in the body that can cause heart, muscular and cognitive problems. In some cases, electrolyte imbalances lead to death.

Seizures, Heart Irregularities and Death

According to the Drug and Alcohol Dependence report, mixing energy drinks with alcohol--a popular practice among college students--increases risks for life-threatening consequences, including injuries, accidents and alcohol intoxication.