5 Hour Energy Drinks

4thDegreeKnight
4thDegreeKnight Posts: 69 Member
edited November 13 in Food and Nutrition
Ok, so I a looking for a band-aid for about two weeks.

One of the reasons I started losing weight is because of fatigue. I went to the doctor and discussed it before going on my program. I'm about 17lbs down.

But I learned there is a difference between tired (physically) and sleepy. With weight loss and better eating I am not tired. But my sleepy is getting worse. To the point it is affecting my lifestyle and work. I am looking at things like Sleep Apnea, B12 deficiency, Iron, and a few other things with my doctor. I am thinking it will be a quick fix one we figure it out but till then I am hurting.

I never have liked coffee or tea, I can't stand the taste. So I lean on Soda for caffeine with is not healthy. I'm at the point where I need 1-2 a day to stay functional at work.

I was thinking about those 5 hour energy drinks as an alternative to hold me up while my doctor and I go through tests and figure this out. However they make me nervous.

Anyone use them, have good or bad experiences?

Replies

  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    You can get over-the-counter caffeine pills from the pharmacy.
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    I've used them, but I'm caffeine tolerant. I can drink CUPS of coffee and fall asleep almost on command.

    I say avoid them, they're overpriced anyhow.

    Soda isn't bad at all. Are you drinking diet? People will say all kinds of hippy *kitten* about diet pops, but, it's fine. I drink all the time, but I also make sure to get in water too.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    You'll hear different things, but I think they're fine. I've used them in a pinch.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Monster addict here, must have my afternoon Monster. Ultra Zero flavor is zero cals, and is cheaper than 5 hour energy. Plus I get my soda "feel" from it.
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    Oh, btw, the 5-hour energy drinks are, from what I understand, primarily just a dose of Vitamin B6&12.

    They're also disgusting.
  • ernurse167
    ernurse167 Posts: 26 Member
    There are a lot of preworkout supplements out there that will give you the energy of an energy drink, but with more added benefits if you are also working out. The good ones won't just perk you up, they will provide you with creatine and nitric oxide to help improve performance and make it easier to build muscle among other things.
  • nancybuss
    nancybuss Posts: 1,461 Member
    I am severely Anemic right now, taking iron and working on the overall 'why' with docs.
    I've been cutting back on pop and Man its Hard to feel this tired. I do like AMP Energy. Pricey, probably not healthy (I haven't researched all ingredients) but when I'm falling over at my desk, I do it.

    I also use E&E - Energy & Endurance from Beachbody (I'm a coach) Its 'suppose' to only be before a workout, I've been know to use one scoop here and there at other times.

    Good luck figuring out what is going on
  • 4thDegreeKnight
    4thDegreeKnight Posts: 69 Member
    1) Thanks for the feedback guys (and gals). If I can keep the soda down to 1-2 a day and keep my calorie intake proper - I may keep it. (and no, it's not diet).
    2) I also appreciate the alternatives.
    3) @ernurse167 - Your Perry kind of disturbs me. You may be rocking me to sleep tonight when I have nightmares.
  • ernurse167
    ernurse167 Posts: 26 Member
    @4thdegree-that's how I feel every day right before the gym!!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    edited March 2015
    I use them, though I'm getting away from them in favor of caffeine/bcaa blended pre-workout drinks (I've been using Optimum Nutrition's Amino Energy instead of 5hr energy, and ON's gold standard pre workout before I lift, which has caffeine, BCAAs, and creatine).

    5hr Energy regular strength doesn't do much for me. The extra strength makes me just shy of jittery. I typically take them on an empty stomach, so the impact is more noticeable. YMMV.

    I find them to be effective, but pretty expensive.
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    edited March 2015
    chivalryder wrote: »
    You can get over-the-counter caffeine pills from the pharmacy.

    Caffein pills always sound bad. BUT, I completely agree with this. They are extremely cheap on Amazon, and you can wean off of them without side effects (headaches) by cutting them in half, then in quarters etc. I was able to kick my year long soda and energy drink addiction immediately and never looked back. I take 50mg every morning if I need to and don't need any for the rest of the day, no coffee, no tea etc.
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    Talk to your doctor. If you are getting tests ran you may want to be noting what you are putting in your system.

    Have you tried exercise? Maybe getting some endorphins pumping will help wake you up. Again, consult your doctor.
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