Ask Dr. Gamer: Energy Drinks

Dear Dr. Gamer:

I've noticed that certain energy drinks show the amount of caffeine in their nutritional facts. Since I usually drink them to stay awake during marathon gaming sessions, I started to wonder: How much caffeine can a person consume before experiencing minor, moderate, and severe side effects? And what are the potential side effects anyway? Thanks for taking the time to answer.

— Bennanias

Dr. Gamer responds:

Energy drinks are really more “drink” than “energy.” Most of them contain up to 80 milligrams of caffeine — about three times more than soda. The effect of caffeine on your body varies but usually includes jitteriness, rapid heartbeats, sweating, and elevated blood pressure. There have been a couple reported overdoses resulting in seizures or even death.

Caffeine, like most drugs, is addictive and creates dependence. That’s why grandma doesn’t feel good after drinking one can and your average coffee drinker won’t notice three or four. Plus, caffeine is no substitute for sleep — so while it keeps you up for the marathon gaming session, your body still needs to make up the lost down-time.

In addition to caffeine and sugar, most energy drinks also have other hocus-pocus ingredients like taurine, B vitamins, and herbal stimulants. None of these have actually been shown to increase alertness and energy, but if you think really hard that you’re going to be more alert, you may actually become so.

*OXM’s Dr. Gamer is actually Dr. Frederick Chen, M.D., M.P.H., from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Washington. He’s currently studying the diminishing effect of Mass Effect on his free time. Dr. Gamer’s answers are for informational purposes only and should never replace a true diagnosis or treatment from your family physician. Got a question for Dr. Gamer? Send it to letters@officialxboxmagazine.com with the subject line “Ask Dr. Gamer.” If you are currently suffering from a game-related health issue, contact your own real-life physician immediately.