It isn’t unusual for a lot of people to grab an energy drink or two to get through a hard day or an afternoon slump—especially teenagers and young adults. But many people are unaware of the dangers that energy drinks present. They can even prove fatal.

Teens And Young Adults Are At Particular Risk Of Harm

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against teens consuming energy drinks at all because they contain stimulants in addition to caffeine, like guarana and taurine. Guarana is an extract that has packs additional caffeine into the drink. Taurine can affect your cardiac muscles. Yet, energy drink companies typically market their products with advertising directed at teens and young adults. The immature neurological and cardiovascular systems of both groups can be drastically affected by these stimulants.

As far back as 2011, energy drink companies have been aware that their products can prove lethal to teens. A 14-year-old Maryland teenager died after consuming only 2 energy drinks within 24 hours. In 2014, an Arizona teenager suffered a heart attack after drinking too many energy drinks while on vacation.

The drinks could be even more dangerous to young adults who mix them with alcohol. A new study indicates that the combination of stimulants acts like cocaine on the brain with effects that can last well into adulthood.

Energy Drinks Can Also Lead To Caffeine Toxicity

Caffeine toxicity is another known danger of energy drinks. Caffeine is marketed like a harmless substance when it’s actually a potent drug. Like any drug, you can overdose on it. The maximum amount of caffeine that’s safe for an adult is about 400 mg per day, but one brand of energy shots has 422 mg of caffeine per shot. That could make it very easy for someone, particularly a younger individual with a low tolerance to caffeine, to overdose.

Symptoms of caffeine toxicity include dizziness, headaches, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations. Severe toxicity can ultimately lead to coma and death.

Consider A Wrongful Death Lawsuit 

If your son or daughter dies after consuming energy drinks, consider contacting us regarding a possible wrongful death claim as soon as possible. A wrongful death lawsuit can allow you to hold the appropriate party responsible for targeting a vulnerable group of individuals with advertising that makes a dangerous product seem harmless.