Spike Shooter is a highly caffeinated energy drink that contains additional ingredients to boost energy. It has caused controversy due to adverse reactions, particularly in those under 18. The drink contains warning labels and is not recommended for certain groups, including seniors, pregnant women, and those with heart disease. It is available in grocery stores and online, but there is talk of banning sales to those under 18.
A Spike Shooter is an energy drink introduced in 2006 by the Colorado Company Spike LLC. It is currently known to contain the highest amount of caffeine of energy drinks and other ingredients that can temporarily boost energy. Its introduction has also been marked by controversy because some people, particularly those under the age of 18, have had adverse reactions to drinking it.
Non-active ingredients in Spike Shooter, sold in 8.4 fluid ounces (250 mL) cans, include carbonated water, citric acid and sucralose. The sucralose helps keep the drink calorie-free, which undoubtedly enhances the popularity of this drink. Many people who have tried the drink find it pleasantly sweet and comparable to other energy drinks in taste.
The active ingredients include 300 milligrams of caffeine and several potential additional “high energy” substances. One is vitamin B-12 in a dose of 15,000 mcg, about 25,000 percent of the US Recommended Daily Allowance for this vitamin. Other “energetic” substances are L-tyrosine and yohimbine.
The inclusion of L-Tyrosine and Yohimbine could undoubtedly briefly boost energy levels and could explain Spike Shooter’s potent nature, but it could also be responsible for some of his problems. L-Tyrosine is an amino acid used in many energy drinks and can improve concentration, but can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Yohimbine is generally used to combat impotence and sexual dysfunction. Its side effects can be significant and include rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Higher doses can cause panic attacks, hallucinations and dizziness.
These ingredients, especially the presence of yohimbine, may explain the many warning labels on Spike Shooter cans. In addition to suggesting that those under the age of 18 should not consume the drink, the warning labels on the cans recommend that the drink should be avoided by the following people:
Seniors
Pregnant or lactating women
People with heart disease and/or high blood pressure
Those with hypothyroidism
People with psychiatric illnesses
Those who suffer from asthma
People who have spasms
People who suffer from frequent migraines
Drinking advice suggests that people try drinking just half a can to see if they will tolerate Spike Shooter. Anecdotal evidence from energy drink enthusiasts recommends heeding this advice. Most people also suggest that the drink is much more likely to induce vomiting when taken on an empty stomach. Other people note that the “dip” from the energy drink is significant and can create depression and severe headaches.
Despite limited use to a few groups, Spike Shooter can easily be found in grocery stores in numerous US states and can be ordered online. There is talk of banning the sale of the product to anyone under 18, and some high schools have banned its use on campuses because students have had adverse reactions. These reactions include extreme vomiting and heart palpitations. There is a potential danger for those who drink more than one Spike Shooter, as higher doses of caffeine and yohimbine can have strong side effects.
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