A 350ml bottle of V contains (amongst other things):
- Caffeine - 109mg
- Riboflavin (B2) - 1.7mg
- Niacin (B3) - 10mg
- Vitamin B6 - 1.6mg
- Vitamin B12 - 2 micrograms
- Pantothenic acid - 2.5mg
- Taurine - 700mg
- Glucuronolactone - 88mg
- Inositol - 70mg
I'm a fan of V for a pickmeup or carry on, used "normally". A freshly brewed cup of coffee or strong instant can contain around 200mg of caffeine. I get more of a buzz out of one can of V than I do out of a strong mug of coffee, though I can get shakier out of 2 cups of coffee than 2 bottles of V.
I'd say the B vitamins and other things contribute towards the V experience and make it distinct from straight caffeine.
Caffeine itself is self limiting, you get to a point where you just don't want any more. You can feel shaky, jumpy, panicky and sick and you just don't feel like going on. The initial lift in mood and alertness goes away.
(meth) Amphetamine is much better to keep topping up with, in a totally non-harm-reduction manner.
There was a great article on caffeine in National Geographic earlier this year. Part of it can be found
here, however it's certainly worth finding the mag for the full version.