Caffeine Buzz - KOAM TV 7

Special Report: Caffeine Buzz

A special report by Zach Fletcher

Part I - Energy drink dangers (originally aired November 23, 2010)

Manufacturing energy drinks is a billion dollar industry and growing.  Many people rely on them for a quick boost, or even a competitive edge.

But for Dakota Sailor, a Carl Junction, Missouri teenager, an energy drink overload nearly cost him his life in 2009.  After drinking an energy drink he had laid down to take a nap when his mother found him turning blue and trying to take a breath.

Dr. Taylor Bear, a neurologist from St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri, diagnosed Dakota with a single seizure.

Now, Dakota is warning others of the dangers of high powered energy drinks.

Watch "Energy drink dangers" in the video player above to hear Dakota's story, and see what the drink's manufacturer has to say.

Part II - Kicking the caffeine habit (originally aired November 24, 2010)

At what point does your caffeine craving go from a quick pick me up to a dependency?

Dr. Kenneth Stewart is an Emergency Room physician at St. John's Regional Medical Center, and he says side effects of caffeine range from irritability and agitation to insomnia, but there are different tolerance levels for each person.

Friends tell Kyle Kovich, a Pittsburg State University student, that he is addicted to caffeine.  Now, he's trying to cut back on the amount he drinks.

If you are addicted to caffeine or a too frequent user, watch "Kicking the caffeine habit" in the video player above for tips.