There was an article written by Quinn Kirsch in last spring's Exponent about the energy drink called Red Bull. This drink has become exceedingly popular over the past few years, as the article stated. Unfortunately, what wasn't mentioned, and what many people ignore, are the many warnings that are associated with the drink and its contents. Many people who are knowledgeable in this area all seem to agree that the effects seen are similar to the effects after the usage of speed. The FDA has received no complaints about Red Bull, but several countries in Europe are concerned enough that they only allow it to be sold in pharmacies. It is clear that mixing caffeine and alcohol keeps drunk people conscious for a longer period of time, but mixing it with alcohol can lead to dehydration as well as possible heart and kidney problems. Many resellers recommend limiting the intake to three or four cans a day, though students tend to regard this limit as the optimum dose, drinking as many as four or even five cans before studying for exams. The huge rise in the consumption of energy drinks in general is increasing the amount of caffeine ingested by people. And while caffeine is regarded as only mildly addictive and safe in all but extremely high doses, there is some evidence to suggest that in the long term it can be a contributing factor in high blood pressure and heart disease. All of these factors are things to consider before we consume not only Red Bull but any product.