Missouri Residents and Blue Cross Blue Shield patients getting care in Missouri: Click here for why Mercy issues notice to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

WEB_Global_Banner

Mercy Doctors Warn About Dangers of Kids and Caffeine

June 1, 2017

If a teenager dies of an overdose, caffeine usually isn't the main culprit. However, a large amount of the stimulant consumed in a short period of time recently claimed the life of a 16-year-old in South Carolina.

Caffeine is a drug - a central nervous system stimulant. It's the most widely consumed psychoactive drug and yet, like many other similar drugs, it's unregulated. Mercy doctors are warning parents to take notice and help inform their kids that caffeine can be dangerous. 

"With the rise in energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages, kids don't see the risks," said Dr. Diana Roukoz, Mercy Kids pediatrician. "Caffeine can cause behavior issues, trouble sleeping, bed wetting - even in older kids and teens - growth and appetite issues as well as cardiovascular trouble."

Watch Dr. Roukoz's full interview below.

Mercy Clinic Dr. Diana Roukoz discusses caffeine side effects with Fox 2 News.

 

How much is too much caffeine? Mercy's Dr. Sunthosh Parvathaneni also spoke about the topic. Click here for his interview with Fox 5 News in Springfield, Mo.

celticknot-background