Energy drinks have quickly become an everyday product, especially among young people and young adults. They are used to become more alert, have more energy for longer and stay focused when studying, exercising or late at night. And of course there are short-term effects, energy drinks can temporarily increase alertness, reduce fatigue and improve concentration. But the alertness that is experienced is a strong stimulation of the nervous system, and research shows that this stimulation often occurs at the expense of increased stress in the body. Therefore, interest has grown in what energy drinks actually do to the heart, nervous system and recovery when used regularly.
What does energy drink contain?
A standard can of energy drink (250 ml) contains about 80 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about a small cup of coffee. Yet many people react more strongly to energy drinks than to coffee.
Energy drinks contain not only caffeine, but also sugar (or sweeteners), taurine, B vitamins and other added substances. These are relatively well-known on their own, but in combination they have a more stimulating effect on the nervous system than caffeine alone. In addition, energy drinks are often drunk quickly, cold and in large quantities, which means that the body receives a very strong stimulus in a short time.
How does the content affect the body?
Research shows that energy drinks often act as a stress signal to the body. Pulse and blood pressure rise, the heart beats faster and the release of stress hormones increases. In sensitive people, this can cause palpitations, inner restlessness, shakiness, anxiety or difficulty sleeping.
With repeated or high consumption, the risk of affecting the heart rhythm increases. This is also why cardiovascular effects are the most well-documented side effects in research. Children and adolescents are more sensitive to stimulants than adults, both due to lower body weight and a nervous system that is not yet fully developed. Unfortunately, it is precisely in these groups that energy drink consumption is highest.
Studies report symptoms such as headaches, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and heart palpitations even with relatively moderate consumption. Therefore, energy drinks are now considered a growing public health problem.
Drug interactions
A lesser-known but important aspect is that energy drinks can affect how medications work in the body. Caffeine uses the same breakdown system in the liver as many common medications. This means that energy drinks can enhance, prolong or weaken the effect of certain medications. For example, antidepressants, heart medications, painkillers or sleeping pills. This is particularly relevant for people who use medications regularly, but knowledge about this is still low among the general public.
Reference
This article is based on the study: Dobrek 2025. The Review on Adverse Effects of Energy Drinks and Their Potential Drug Interactions. Nutrients
