Effects of amino acid energy drinks leading to hospitalization in individuals with mental illness

Objective: The objective of this case report is to highlight the possible dangers in individuals with prior psychiatric illness of the use of amino acid and caffeine-containing drinks marketed as energy drinks to combat mental and physical fatigue. Method: We report on three patients with known psychiatric illness who demonstrated sequelae following use of these beverages with probable association with clinical deterioration leading to hospitalization. Results: In all three cases, hospitalizations were associated with deterioration of mental state, manifested, amongst other symptoms, by hypervigilance, psychomotor unease and intensified affected responses. Conclusions: While a casual relationship between the use of these drinks and hospitalization cannot be definitively stated, the close temporal association between the two cannot be ignored. Use of these beverages by individuals with prior psychiatric illness should be with caution and the use of energy drinks may be relevant in the patients' evaluations.