Monthly Archives: February 2014

Whether they are used for a midday boost, as an all-night study aid, to enhance athletic performance, or for recreational consumption with alcohol, energy drinks or energy “shots” are used by a variety of people, for many different reasons, but concerns about their potential risks are now being raised.

Hospitals across the United States are reporting increased numbers of Emergency Room visits linked to the consumption of energy drinks. In 2009, over 113,000 people were taken to the E.R. due to complications from energy drinks, ten times the number reported in 2005, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

According to Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Jamaica Hospital, “one of the biggest potential risks associated with drinking these products is the effect on the heart. Containing over 35 mg of caffeine per ounce, energy drinks can possess nearly three times the caffeine as a cup of coffee. The consequences of ingesting such large amounts of caffeine include elevated blood pressure and accelerated heart rate.” In addition, energy drinks are loaded with sugar and taurine, an amino acid also know to boost heart rate.

Even though most agree that consuming energy drinks does not elevate blood pressure and heart rate enough to pose a threat to healthy individuals if taken in moderation, medical professionals do urge those with an existing heart disease to avoid energy drinks. People with hypertension or a heart arrhythmia have also been warned to stay away from these beverages.

It is also recommended that individuals do not combine energy drinks with  alcohol.  By mixing caffeine (a stimulant) with alcohol (a depressant) individuals have a difficult time gauging their level of impairment. Believing the caffeine has sobered them up, those who mix alcohol and energy drinks experience “wide awake impairment,” a feeling of increased alertness.

The marketing of energy drinks has sparked some controversy. They have been promoted to provide a quick boost of energy and many athletes have taken them to increase performance. Dr. Doughlin adds “The problem with this idea is, exercise already increases heart rate and blood pressure. Adding a boost of caffeine only puts unnecessary strain on the heart.  In addition, caffeine is a known diuretic, causing athletes to lose water when they should be trying to stay hydrated”.

What many do not realize is that energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, and therefore, are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as soda or other drinks that contain caffeine. In fact, the manufacturers of these products often do not disclose the amount of caffeine they contain. Many lawmakers are now calling for increased regulations for the energy drink industry, including improved labeling disclosures.

Dr. Doughlin provides this tip for those who are looking for an alternative to energy drinks, “If you eat healthy, exercise daily and sleep between seven and eight hours every night, you will naturally have more energy.”

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

When Winter arrives, do you find yourself spending long hours in your house or apartment feeling fatigued, anxious, and irritable? If so, you are not alone. As many as half a million people in the United States may experience Winter-onset depression, a type of depression associated with cold-weather months. With a physician’s help, however, Winter-onset depression is a treatable condition.

Winter-onset depression is the most common variety of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with changing seasons. The cause of the condition is unclear, but it may be related to changes in an individual’s circadian rhythm (biological clock) that result from reduced exposure to sunlight in Winter.

Winter-onset SAD typically lasts from late Fall to Summer. SAD usually appears in people age 20 or older, with women experiencing more cases of the disorder than men. SAD is more likely to occur as a person ages, and individuals living in northern regions are more vulnerable to Winter-onset SAD.

Every person’s experience with Winter-onset SAD is different, but common symptoms include:

• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain
• Low energy level and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Avoidance of social situations
• Lack of interest in favorite activities

Winter-onset SAD is fairly predictable, as symptoms tend to occur at the same time each year.

“Many people with Winter-onset SAD may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, who can assess a patient’s symptoms and formulate a treatment plan”, says Seeth Vivek, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Possible treatments include medication, behavior therapy, and light therapy.”

Light therapy acts as a substitute for the limited sunlight during the Winter months. Patients sit in front of a light box or wear a light visor for 30 minutes per day, and if the therapy proves effective, they continue it until Spring. Light therapy has few side effects, as it can cause eyestrain and headache.

When it comes to preventing Winter-onset SAD, your best bet is to stay active. Search for odd jobs to do around the house that you put off when the weather was nice, and guard against isolation by scheduling get-togethers with friends.

To make an appointment or to speak with a member of the Department of Psychiatry, please call 718-206-7135.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.