Energy Drinks + Alcohol = Deadly Mix

CLEVELAND -- Energy drinks that pack a powerful punch are the latest craze.

It is a billion dollar industry, but critics warn that a new trend -- mixing energy drinks and alcohol -- may be hazardous to your health.

Experts also believe that combining the energy drinks with exercise may not be good.

"I have more energy," said one energy drink consumer. "I'm usually in a better mood."

Another said, "It really helps you to get yourself kicked into gear a lot faster."

But the buzz over bottled energy drinks, like Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush and 180, are raising concerns throughout the medical community.

"I think that a lot of people don't realize the potential dangers that go along with a lot of the energy drinks," said Dr. Gregory Stewart, a sports medicine expert.

Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine, sugar, amino acids and potent herbs. Chris Rosenbloom of the American Dietetic Association said that it can be a recipe for trouble.

"Probably the biggest side effect is that these drinks do pack quite a wallop when it comes to caffeine or other stimulants," said Rosenbloom.

While energy drinks on their own can be safe, health experts said that mixing them with exercise or alcohol can increase the risk of seizures, elevated heart rates -- even heart attacks for some people.

"These are potentially fatal arrhythmias, heat strokes, those types of things that you really have to worry about," Stewart said.

In Sweden, three suspicious deaths prompted officials to issue warnings against mixing Red Bull with alcohol and exercise. Several other countries now allow the drink to be sold only in pharmacies as a precaution.

"It's a market for the consumer to beware," said Rosenbloom.

What The Companies Say

Makers of Red Bull energy drink declined an interview, but in a written statement they said that there is "no connection between the cases in Sweden and Red Bull." They also said that clinical tests prove their product is safe.

Millions of energy drinks are sold each year, and other companies said that they haven't had any complaints.

"We believe our drinks are very safe and actually promote it as a drink that you would use pre-exercise and post-exercise," said John Bello, CEO and president of SoBe Beverages.

Bello added, however, that the product is not meant to be used as a mixer.

"Our position is that this is buzz without the booze, and it's a fun great tasting alternative to alcoholic beverages," he said.

Nevertheless, Rosenbloom worries about the latest craze.

"My concern is that the partiers will be drinking these with alcohol and they'll have a false sense of being awake when, in fact, they're just more wide awake drunks," he said.

According to the FDA, there are currently a few formal complaints involving energy drinks. Adverse reactions to energy drinks may go unreported.