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- "Drug and Alcohol Dependency"; Caffeinated Energy Drinks—A Growing Problem"; Chad J. Reissig et al.; Jan. 2010
- "Drug and Alcohol Dependency"; Caffeinated Energy Drinks—A Growing Problem"; Chad J. Reissig et al.; Jan. 2010
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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.
- Due to the dense amount of stimulants contained in Cocaine energy drink, sleep problems may occur.
- 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.
Emotional Effects
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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.
- Cocaine energy drink can also pose adverse emotional effects.
- 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.
- 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.
Seizures, Heart Irregularities and Death
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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.
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References
- "Drug and Alcohol Dependency"; Caffeinated Energy Drinks—A Growing Problem"; Chad J. Reissig et al.; Jan. 2010
- National Sleep Foundation: Diet, Exercise and Sleep
- Begolli Gerqari AM, Ferizi M, Halimi S, et al. Erythema exsudativum multiforme induced by a taurine-containing energy drink. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2016;25(4):83-84. doi:10.15570/actaapa.2016.24
- Baum M, Weiss M. The Influence of a Taurine Containing Drink on Cardiac Parameters Before and After Exercise Measured by Echocardiography. Amino Acids. 2001;20(1):75-82.
- Bichler A, Swenson A, Harris MA. A Combination of Caffeine and Taurine Had No Effect on Short Term Memory But Induces Changes in Heart Rate and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure. Amino Acids. 2006 May 15.
- Ferreira SE, de Mello MT, Pompeia S, de Souza-Formigoni ML. Effects of Energy Drink Ingestion on Alcohol Intoxication. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006 Apr;30(4):598-605.
- Seidl R, Peyrl A, Nicham R, Hauser E. A Taurine and Caffeine-Containing Drink Stimulates Cognitive Performance and Well-Being. Amino Acids. 2000;19(3-4):635-42
Writer Bio
August McLaughlin is a certified nutritionist and health writer with more than nine years of professional experience. Her work has been featured in various magazines such as "Healthy Aging," "CitySmart," "IAmThatGirl" and "ULM." She holds specializations in eating disorders, healthy weight management and sports nutrition. She is currently completing her second cookbook and Weight Limit—a series of body image/nutrition-related PSAs.