In recent years, many teens and adults have taken to gulping down an energy drink rather than coffee for their daily caffeine-energy surge.

However, recent studies have shown that large doses of caffeine can increase the risk of hypertension, heart palpitations, headaches, insomnia and can influence irritability and anxiety.

While the drinks are becoming popular for their jittery qualities, the drawbacks of the beverages, including Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, Bawls, Amp and Full Throttle, sometimes outweigh the benefits in the eyes of health pundits.

Sharon Scharf, nutritionist and art teacher, says energy drinks provide a “quick fix” rather than solid nutrition.

“A pill or a drink is not going to do what a good, energy-filled diet can do,” Scharf said. “Carbohydrate loading is great way to keep from ‘hitting’ the wall in a marathon, for example ? not a caffeine-filled drink which can elevate your blood pressure and possibly cause heart problems!” *

According to Medical News Today, energy drinks do not sufficiently hydrate and contain excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar. This is because the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has guidelines for the caffeine amount in sodas, but not in energy drinks.

Although most teens are aware of the caffeine and sugar in these drinks, many choose to drink them anyway. Hannah William of University High School, ’12, says she calls on them to receive necessary energy.

“I know they are supposedly bad for you, but they give me the energy I need in order to get through the day,” William said. “Also, they taste really good. Almost everyone I know drinks them regularly. I do not, but I have them every once in a while.”

Zed Fries, ’12, also tries to ignore the health factors involved, using the drinks to survive the school week, he says.

“I love energy drinks,” Fries said. “I used to not drink them much but now I drink them multiple times a week. I drink them so that I can stay awake all day.”

While some students guzzle the beverages every chance they get, others avoid them.

“I do not like energy drinks,” Alexandrah Aleman, ’10, said. “I think they are bad for you and a waste of money.”

For more information on energy drinks and their affects, talk to doctors or go to the Brown University health education energy drinks page.

*Editor’s note: Sharon Scharf was misquoted in the original publication of this article, and her previous statement has been replaced with the accurate quote. The Feather Online apologizes for this error.