Energy drinks have been linked to heart palpitations, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and death. If you took an energy drink and suffered a serious side effect, contact a lawyer at The Schmidt Law, LLP. Since 2005, there has been a 10-fold increase in the number of hospitalizations caused by energy drinks. Many of these hospitalizations are caused by dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heart problems. There is also evidence that these drinks can cause cancer by frequently over-dosing on folic acid.

What You Can Do & How an Energy Drink Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Energy Drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by an energy drink, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Energy Drink Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Energy Drinks Linked to Cardiovascular Problems

A study published in the journal Pediatrics on February 13, 2012 finds that energy drinks have been linked to a wide array of serious adverse events in children. These include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and death. The researchers find that energy drinks may pose higher risks to children who take medications or have chronic illnesses.

The authors of the study warn that energy drinks may adversely affect children with heart conditions, or mood disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, high amounts of sugar in energy drinks could pose risks for people with diabetes.

Energy Drink Overview

The most popular energy drinks in America are Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster, Rockstar, and more. These products contain massive amounts of caffeine and other ingredients. The most common side effects are minor caffeine jitters, caused by over-stimulating the central nervous system with the stimulant effects of caffeine.

Many of these products are advertised as supplements to be taken before working out. Advertisements show hard-bodied men and women running, climbing mountains, mountain biking, and more. In addition, the website for 5-Hour Energy claims that the products can help with workouts and sports.

One of the biggest dangers of taking an energy drink is dehydration caused by drinking an energy drink without enough water, and then exercising intensely. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. Dehydration can also lead to heat exhaustion and hospitalization.

Furthermore, there is evidence that energy drinks can contribute to increased blood pressure, increase heart rate (tachycardia), heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. These are most serious for people who already have heart problems. However, exercise itself causes higher blood pressure and heart rate. An energy drink that increases these even further.

Energy Shots

Energy shots include 5-Hour Energy, Red Bull, and more. The most popular is 5-Hour Energy, which holds more than 75% of the energy shot market. The active ingredients in these products varies, but is most often caffeine, B-vitamins, taurine (an amino acid from animal sources), artificial flavorings and sweeteners. Many advertise themselves as low-calorie ways to boost energy on the job, while working out, or while partying. Red Bull is one of the most popular mixers for alcohol.

These products are not required to put the amount of caffeine on their labels. The company responsible for 5-Hour Energy claims that it contains only about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, which could mean that it contains around 200-mg of caffeine, but no one really knows. Experts recommend limiting daily caffeine intake to 200 or 300-mg per day. The labels on 5-Hour Energy recommend limiting yourself to 2 bottles per day.

The biggest danger with energy shots are people who plays sports, exercise outdoors, or workout intensely. Many advertisements for 5-Hour Energy portray people doing extreme sports, working out at the gym, or going for a run in the mountains. The problem is that a stimulant product can increase a person’s heart-rate and blood pressure, and then exercise increases this even more. This can lead to serious cardiovascular problems in some people.

5-Hour Energy also contains 8,333% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B12, and 2,000% the recommended amount of Vitamin B6. Each bottle also contains 100% of a person’s recommended amount of folic acid, making it highly likely that a person will consume too much folic acid. Studies have shown that too much folic acid can increase your risk of colon, lung, or prostate cancer. Folic acid is added to grains, breakfast cereals, and is also found in many foods, so it is very easy to accidentally consume too much of this substance when taking an energy shot. The liver can only metabolize so much, and the rest floats around the bloodstream until the liver is able to clear it out.

Non-Caffeinated Energy Drinks

Some people are concerned about consuming too much caffeine. The manufacturers of 5-Hour Energy have made a non-caffeinated version. Hydrive is another caffeine-free energy drink. The caffeine itself is probably not a health danger. The safety of caffeine is well-documented. The problem is with other substances added to the products (such as folic acid and massive doses of B-vitamins). Unfortunately, energy provided by B-vitamins is not a stimulating drug like caffeine. B-vitamins are necessary for extracting energy from food, and the body only needs a small amount to accomplish this task. Once the body has enough B-vitamins, the rest is not used by the body.

Coffee-Flavored Energy Drinks

Some energy drinks have “coffee” flavor. Coffee itself is a powerful stimulant drink, and is one of the most widely-used, additive-free, scientifically studied, natural energy drinks in existence. Coffee has been linked to lower risk of depression, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. Some canned energy drinks have tried to hop on the coffee bandwagon by including coffee flavorings. Java Monster is one example. The coffee on the label is not a concern. It is the other ingredients that can cause side effect — panax ginseng, for example, which has been linked to severe headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Non-Liquid Energy

Not everyone wants to drink their caffeine. For these people, the makers of Rockstar and Amp have created chewing gum spiked with 40-mg doses of caffeine. One stick of gum is roughly equivalent to a cup of coffee. Eat a few sticks, and you’ve suddenly consumed as much caffeine in a pot of coffee. Combining caffeine and candy may also unintentionally appeal to children, who could be at risk of overdosing on caffeine if they eat an entire package.

Energy Drink Side Effects

Side effects of energy drinks may include:

• Caffeine Jitters
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Cardiovascular problems
• Dehydration, leading to heat exhaustion

Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by an energy drink side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Energy Drink Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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