Statistics provided by WebMD demonstrate that there were 13,114 ER Visits in 2009 which were directly associated with the use of energy drinks.
Of course, in 44 percent of these cases energy drinks were taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, most of the individuals in the ER were still there due to only consuming energy drinks. In some instances, these individuals have filed lawsuits against these large energy drink companies.
Top Energy Drink Brands
Throughout the country, mostly teenagers are being sent to the emergency room every day suffering from the side effects of energy drinks. Many believe that these energy drinks should not be marketed or sold to individuals less than 18 years old, which may have some truth to it. Of course, energy drinks are still holding their popularity and energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and 5-Hour Energy are reaping the benefits.
Some of the top energy drink brands include:
- Red Bull
- 5-Hour Energy
- Monster Energy
- AMP Energy
- Coca-Cola Blak
- Mountain Dew Energy
- NOS
- Full Throttle
- Redline
- Stacker 2
- Rip It
- Rockstar Energy
- Sparks
- Tab Energy
- Worx
In most cases, as we would expect, the energy drinks with the most branding are the most popular, thus have the most lawsuits filed against them.
Lawsuits Filed Towards Energy Drink Companies
Since energy drinks first took the market, there have been numerous lawsuits filed towards energy drink companies. This is largely due to many teenagers being sent to the emergency room and also passing away following consumption of energy drinks.
If an individual were to drink a 20oz Monster Energy drink, their body would require 6.3 gallons of water to flush it completely out of their kidneys, keeping in mind that the average individual drinks 0.9 gallons of water in two days.
Some energy drink lawsuits and findings include:
- May 6, 2013 – San Francisco vs. Monster Energy
- April 29, 2013 – San Francisco vs. Monster Energy filed in California Federal Court
- March 21, 2013 – Study by the American Heart Association indicates “Energy Drinks May Increase Blood Pressure and Disturb Hearth Rhythm”
- March 19 2013 – 18 doctors send letters to FDA pushing regulation towards energy drinks
- November 16, 2012 – FDA reports 40 illnesses and five deaths linked to Monster Energy
- November 9, 2012 – FDA Adverse Event Report released for 5-Hour Energy, Rockstar Energy, Monster Energy, and Redbull
- October 26, 2012 – New York Times releases article about energy drinks
- May 29, 2011 – The American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report reports Children Should Not Drink Energy Drinks
As many scientific studies have proven that energy drinks can increased blood pressure and heart rate in young adults, these individuals are also put at an increased risk of developing further illnesses down the road, and possible death as a result.
Negative Side Effects of Energy Drinks
The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released reports indicating that there were 1,128 emergency room visits in 2005, 16,053 emergency room visits in 2008, and 13,114 emergency room visits in 2009 which were all related to energy drink consumption. Furthermore, these reports found that over 50 percent of these emergency room visits included individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 years old.
Some common side effects of energy drinks include:
- Cardiac arrest
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Caffeine intoxication
- Dehydration
- Inconsistent heart rhythms
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Seizures
- Death
If you have visited an emergency room following the consumption of an energy drink, and have received any injuries, it is advised to contact an attorney and begin exploring your legal options.