America’s Poison Centers has seen a recent uptick in cases of pediatric exposure to energy drinks. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 24.2% increase in such calls for children and teens under 20 years old. Children 6 to 12 years old experienced the largest proportional increase in energy drink cases, rising from 11% of pediatric energy drink cases in 2020 to 20% in 2023.

The rise in energy drink exposures follows their growing popularity and increasing availability in stores. Energy drinks often contain caffeine from multiple sources like green tea extract, yerba mate, and guarana. There is no limit on the amount of caffeine energy drinks can contain and the caffeine content is not required to be listed on labels.

While the number of cases has risen, it is important to note that the severity of these exposures has not increased. The reason for exposure in most of the cases (78%) was unintentional, meaning kids did not realize they were consuming energy drinks or how much caffeine they were drinking. Less than 15% of cases were due to kids and teens purposefully consuming energy drinks to enhance alertness, attention, or physical performance.

Symptoms for energy drink overdose include:

• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Tremors
• Dehydration
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Call 911 for immediate medical attention if the person is experiencing difficulty breathing, seizures, or irregular heartbeat.

 Prevention Tips:

• Avoid keeping energy drinks in areas where children can accidentally consume them.
• Encourage a balanced lifestyle with proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition. 
• Teach children and teens to read labels and recognize caffeine content in drinks. 
• Limit caffeine intake among children and teens, opting for safer, child-friendly beverage options like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice. 

Symptoms of energy drink exposure may not be immediately noticeable and can escalate quickly. If your child has consumed an energy drink, it is important to seek immediate medical advice. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert, or visit PoisonHelp.org for online support and resources.

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represents the network of Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) website PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org