Experiencing Severe Nausea and Panic After Consuming Celsius Energy Drink
A 21-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 135 pounds, reports no current medications. Typically, she consumes a Monster energy drink nightly during her overnight shifts without any adverse effects. However, she opted for a Celsius energy drink last night, leading to distressing symptoms. Currently, she’s experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, chest discomfort, and signs indicative of a panic attack. Although she does encounter panic attacks from time to time, this particular episode has resulted in severe gastrointestinal issues, prompting her to suspect that caffeine might be the culprit. Additionally, she has a medical history that includes Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and fibromyalgia. Despite her attempts to alleviate the symptoms by walking around and drinking room temperature water, the situation has not improved after more than two hours. With a work shift imminent, she feels an urgent need to find a solution for relief so she can rest soon. What steps should she take next?
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 3:40:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a really tough time with these symptoms after trying a new energy drink, and it's understandable to feel concerned about your health, especially with your history of POTS and fibromyalgia. Let’s focus on addressing your immediate symptoms and finding relief.
Key Points
- Stop consuming the Celsius energy drink and any other caffeinated or energy drinks for now.
- Manage symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and panic effectively while prioritizing hydration.
- Consider your medical history and current feelings to take the best next steps, especially since your shift is approaching.
Explanation
Celsius energy drinks contain higher levels of caffeine and other stimulants that may cause gastrointestinal upset, especially if you are used to another brand like Monster. The symptoms you're experiencing—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chest discomfort—could be reactions to the ingredients or just an excessive amount of caffeine compared to what you usually consume. The panic symptoms can also be exacerbated by physical discomfort and anxiety about feeling unwell.
Next Steps
-
Take a break from food and drinks: For the next hour, avoid eating anything heavy and only sip on small amounts of clear fluids (like water or herbal tea) to help calm your stomach. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.
-
Rest in a comfortable position: Find a place to sit or lie down where you feel safe. Try to take slow, deep breaths to manage the panic. Breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety; inhale slowly through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six counts.
-
Consider over-the-counter medications: If symptoms do not improve after an hour, you may consider taking an antacid (like Tums) to ease stomach discomfort or an anti-nausea medication (like meclizine) if it's available to you. Follow the instructions on the package carefully.
-
Stay aware of warning signs: If you develop severe symptoms such as chest pain that worsens, difficulty breathing, or prolonged vomiting, seeking immediate medical attention would be necessary.
-
Plan ahead for your work shift: If you continue to feel unwell, it may be wise to prioritize rest instead of pushing through the shift. Communicate with your employer about your health if needed.
-
Reflect on the experience: Once you feel better, consider avoiding this specific brand of energy drink in the future and stick with what you know works for you.
Reassurance
It's important to listen to your body, especially with your medical history. Give yourself permission to rest and recuperate. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional medical advice as soon as possible. Let me know if you need any more guidance or support.
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Understanding Esophageal Polyps
I’m a 33-year-old woman who recently discovered a polyp located at the base of my esophagus. I’m wondering if anyone has insights on what the possible pathology results might indicate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.