Volume 38, Issue 13. Today is
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Volume 38, Issue 13. Today is
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Over-the-counter stimulants may still be dangerous, harmfulBY LIZETTE RESENDEZ
Eighty percent of Americans consume about 200 mg of caffeine on a daily basis. The National Coffee Association reports coffee consumption rose 6 percent in the last year and the American Psychiatric Association has added three disorders associated with caffeine intoxication, caffeine-related anxiety and caffeine-related sleep disorder. "Caffeine is probably the most widely used drug on campus," said Rhonda Rahn, nutrition health educator for A.P. Beutel Student Health Services. Caffeine, found in the leaves, seeds and fruits of more than 60 different plants around the world, works by suppressing the chemical adenosine, and leaves users with a sense of energy and enhanced alertness. These effects are great for students who have to pull all-nighters, but many students do not realize that too much caffeine can have negative effects on their bodies. Rahn said the effects of too much caffeine may include insomnia, temporary shaking, and increased blood pressure. The American Journal of Hypertension suggests caffeine can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels and raise levels of cortisol, a hormone released during stress. High blood pressure, which affects 50 million Americans, can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Caffeine fiends may experience a caffeine overdose if they consume seven to 12 grams of caffeine, depending on their body size. Many students do not realize that a caffeine overdose can be deadly. Some signs of a caffeine overdose include early signs of anorexia, tremors, restlessness, nausea, vomiting and delirium. Frequent caffeine users may experience dehydration, severe headaches and stomachaches when withdrawing from caffeine. These symptoms usually last one to two days unless they are treated by consuming more caffeine or with pain relievers. Most students obtain caffeine from drinks such as coffee and sodas. One cup of coffee contains about 135 mg of caffeine and most sodas contain 40 to 50 mg. On most nights, coffee shops such as Sweet Eugene’s and Coffee Station in College Station are filled with students sipping caffeinated beverages like Snicker lattes and iced cappuccinos. Vanessa Peters, assistant manager of Coffee Station, said the store sells more than 300 caffeinated beverages a day. Lynley Shults, a junior agricultural life sciences major, said she regularly drank six to eight cups of coffee or 10 sodas a day on a regular basis and as a result had trouble sleeping. "I didn’t realize how much of an effect it had on my system," Shults said. Now that she has cut her caffeine intake, she is able to fall asleep by 10 p.m. Students can also get caffeine from pills such as Vivarin. Each Vivarin tablet contains 200 mg of caffeine, roughly equal to the amount of caffeine in two cups of coffee. Vivarin, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been used by millions of Americans for more than 25 years. Vivarin restores mental alertness and, when taken in moderation, can be a safe alternative for students who do not like coffee. Unfortunately, some caffeinated alternatives are not as safe. Ephedrine, which is found in a powerful herb in Mongolia and China, is known to increase metabolism and energy while suppressing appetite. While it does not contain caffeine, many students combine it with aspirin or caffeine for increased alertness. Ephedrine can be found in Mini Thins, Ultimate Orange, Ripped Fuel and a new powder, Spark. Wendi Bailey, a wildlife and fisheries sciences major, says she frequently uses Spark. Spark, which Bailey said tastes like a "powdery Tang," contains ephedrine and 120 mg of caffeine. Bailey said Spark can keep students up all night and helps them stay focused and energized. However, drinking four Sparks in an hour can make students become jittery, depending on their body size. Ephedrine has many negative side effects such as headaches, tremors, seizures and nausea. Ephedrine caused 15 deaths and 400 hospitalizations in 1996. Students have also turned to Aderol and Ritalin to keep them focused while studying. Although these drugs require a prescription, many students obtain them from friends who are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). While on Aderol, students can remain focused for up to eight hours. However, side effects of Aderol and Ritalin include increased heart rate, confusion, disorientation, irritability and possibly psychotic behavior. Many students may think caffeine is the only answer to the question, "How am I going to finish reading five chapters in one night?" However, Rahn suggests students try not to rely on caffeine. Consuming caffeine in moderation is key to avoid becoming dependent on its effects. Rahn also suggests students eat fruit, otherwise called "brain food." If students become tired while studying, they may take 15-minute walks or exercise breaks to increase their alertness. |
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