Energy drinks can become dangerous when taken after exercise or mixed with alcohol.9,43 Adverse effects include dehydration, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, nosebleeds, and vomiting. Reports claim that energy drinks have caused even more severe reactions, such as seizure, heart arrhythmia, and death.9,44 The stimulating effect of energy drinks is deceiving, causing people to feel less intoxicated than they actually are and making it harder for bartenders to determine whether their patrons should no longer be served. As a result, people may be more inclined to drive while impaired.43
Suspected deaths linked to energy drinks have been reported in Australia and Ireland.45,46 Three people died in Sweden after drinking Red Bull: two had mixed Red Bull with alcohol, and the third drank it after an exercise session. There is debate regarding whether the drinks caused these deaths, but as a result, some restaurants in Sweden have banned Red Bull in their establishments.47 The Swedish National Food Administration recommended that Red Bull not be mixed with alcohol or consumed after exercise.44 Norway sells Red Bull only in pharmacies because of its high level of caffeine.45 Due to health experts’ recommendations, France and Denmark have banned Red Bull altogether. In 2004, the European Union as a whole will begin requiring Red Bull and other energy drinks to carry a health warning about their “high caffeine content.”48
