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Energy drinks (caffeine)

  • G-Fuel
  • Red Bull
  • Guru
  • Rockstar
  • Monster
  • Hype

Energy drinks (caffeine)

What is it? A mild central nervous system stimulant. 

What does it contain? Caffeine, taurine, guarana extract (a plant that contains twice the caffeine), and BZP (benzylpiperazine).

Also called… Red Bull, Guru, Monster, Hype, Rockstar, G-Fuel, Celsius, Ghost, etc.  

What does it look like? Cans or powders for mixing into drinks. 

How is it consumed? Orally – by mouth. 

When does the buzz start? Within a few minutes. 

How long does the buzz last? A few hours (about 3 to 6 hours).

Someone might choose to consume energy drinks to…

  • feel more energized and focused

  • feel like their thoughts are clearer

  • improve their mood

However, energy drinks can also…

  • cause confusion, dehydration, reduced concentration, dizziness, fatigue, hyperactivity, headaches, nervousness, and tremors 

  • lead to addiction 

  • in higher doses, cause mood swings, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, irritability, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and psychomotor agitation.

Health Canada recommends not exceeding 400 mg of caffeine per day, and it’s important to account for the amount of guarana in a drink when calculating caffeine intake. 

In party mode and want to wake yourself up with an energy drink? Energy drinks do not reduce your blood alcohol level; instead, they create a false sense of being less affected by alcohol. This misleading feeling of control can lead a person to consume larger amounts of alcohol and put themselves at risk of severe intoxication. 

Consuming 600 mg of caffeine per day can lead to physical dependence after only 6 to 14 days of use. Caffeine is especially not recommended for people with epilepsy, heart conditions, and  mental health challenges. Withdrawal is possible and can cause several symptoms: headaches, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, anxiety, agitation, irritability, nausea, and vomiting. 

If you consume energy drinks…

  • Avoid mixing them with other substances. Especially risky combinations include alcohol, ecstasy, speed, prescription psychostimulants (ADHD medication), and cocaine. 

  • Avoid consuming energy substances sold on the illegal market. Products sold as party pills may contain other toxic substances.