Monster Energy Drink Effects

Monster Energy Drink is an energy supplement that claims to result in "twice the buzz of a regular energy drink," according to the Monster website. Energy drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar and 5-Hour Energy contain many similar ingredients that boost energy. Monster Energy Drink is targeted towards people with active lifestyles, especially teenagers and young adults. However, it is a potent beverage that can cause adverse health conditions.

Physical Effects

Energy drinks cause drastic changes in energy levels. Consumption of such drinks trigger an instant surge in energy, but this is followed by a period of diminished energy. These episodes were referred to as jolts and crashes, respectively, in a study published by "Nutrition Journal" in October 2007. Results of this study, which included almost 500 college students, indicated that jolts and crashes were experienced by 29 percent of subjects who drank energy drinks. In addition, 22 percent experienced headaches and 19 percent experienced heart palpitations.

Increased Cognition

The two main ingredients in Monster Energy Drink are carbonated water and glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that the body absorbs from carbohydrate foods. It is also the main source of energy for the body. The effects of glucose energy drinks on reaction time, cognitive stimulation and mental fatigue, was the basis of a study published in the December 2010 issue of "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology." In this study, researchers found that the consumption of a glucose energy drink significantly increased reaction time and cognitive stimulation while decreasing mental fatigue.

Caffeine Intoxication

One 16-oz. can of Monster Energy Drink contains 160 mg of caffeine. According to the University of California, teenagers who consume more than 100 mg of caffeine per day are at an increased risk for high blood pressure. Although adults may consume 400 mg of caffeine per day without having adverse health effects, drinking more than one Monster Energy Drink per day may lead to caffeine intoxication. This is because, in addition to caffeine, Monster Energy Drink also contains guarana, a highly caffeinated substance. Symptoms of caffeine intoxication include nervousness, arrhythmias, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Alcoholism

There is no alcohol in Monster Energy Drink. However, some clinical studies have demonstrated a relationship between energy drink consumption and alcohol abuse. According to a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research," energy drink consumption appears to be a risk factor for alcohol dependence. Specifically, college students who reportedly drank energy drinks daily or weekly, were more likely to report consuming alcohol more frequently and in greater amounts, than students who drank energy drinks less than once a week or not at all.