06.11.2025 22:59
After the death of a 16-year-old teenager in İzmir who mixed an energy drink with alcohol, dangerous mixtures have come to the forefront. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın stated regarding the deadly mixture, "The initial symptoms are usually in the form of palpitations and increased blood pressure. One should not wait thinking 'It will pass,' but should go to the hospital immediately."
After the death of 16-year-old Alp Sirek in İzmir, who mixed energy drinks with alcohol, attention turned to energy drinks and their effects. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, emphasized that consuming energy drinks containing high amounts of caffeine together with alcohol, coffee, or similar substances is dangerous for health.
The late Alp Sirek "A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE CONSUME BOTH SUBSTANCES TOGETHER" In his evaluations on the subject, Prof. Dr. Aydın stated, "The death of our 16-year-old youth after mixing energy drinks with alcohol deeply saddened us all. This incident shows that we are facing a serious public health problem. The combined consumption of energy drinks and alcohol is a dangerous habit that threatens the health and lives of our youth. Therefore, I believe we need to pay close attention to this issue. Energy drinks are a separate area, and alcohol is another. However, a significant portion of our youth consumes these two substances together." he said.
"CAN HAVE DEADLY CONSEQUENCES WHEN USED TOGETHER" Pointing out that this situation is extremely dangerous, Aydın said, "Because energy drinks are consumed due to their stimulating effect; they contain a high amount of caffeine. Although alcohol initially acts as a stimulant, it later has a calming effect. Therefore, when a person takes both a stimulant and a depressant at the same time, these substances reduce each other's effects. In this case, the person tends to increase both the energy drink and alcohol intake because they do not feel the effects. This creates a vicious cycle. As a result, the person ends up consuming a high amount of caffeine and alcohol. Every substance has a toxic (poisonous) dose. When this dose is exceeded, serious and unwanted health risks arise in the body. While each substance carries risks on its own, using them together can lead to deadly consequences," he said.
"EVERY SUBSTANCE HAS A TOXIC DOSE" Highlighting the content of energy drinks, Prof. Dr. Aydın stated, "The amount of caffeine in energy drinks varies from brand to brand. A can can contain between 80 milligrams to 300 milligrams of caffeine. We do not always know how much caffeine a particular brand contains. Additionally, the amount and type of alcohol are also important. Therefore, the details of the incident will only be clarified through analyses. However, the primary cause of death is most likely the interaction of these two components. Energy drinks do not only contain caffeine; they also have high levels of sugar, glucuronolactone, and taurine. We do not have sufficient scientific data on the interaction of these components with alcohol. However, we can say that all of these substances have interaction potential," he said.
"TWO CANS OF ENERGY DRINK EQUALS SIX CUPS OF COFFEE" Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, who said, "The interaction of caffeine and alcohol can put serious pressure on the heart," continued:
"For example, if an energy drink contains 300 milligrams of caffeine and the person is not satisfied with this effect and drinks a second can, this means 600 milligrams of caffeine. This amount is close to a dose that can disrupt heart rhythm. Consuming 600 milligrams of caffeine at once is equivalent to about six cups of Turkish coffee. Drinking six cups of coffee in a short time can lead to serious rhythm disturbances in the heart."
"700 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE IS A SERIOUS DOSE THAT CAN CAUSE TOXIC EFFECTS" Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that energy drinks pose a danger not only when consumed with alcohol but also with other caffeinated beverages like coffee, saying, "When energy drinks are consumed with other caffeinated beverages like coffee, similar risks arise. Because coffees also contain high amounts of caffeine starting from 100 milligrams. This can lead to the total caffeine amount reaching toxic levels. For an adult, 700 milligrams of caffeine is a serious dose that can cause toxic effects," he said.
"DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO PASS" Emphasizing the importance of early intervention, Prof. Dr. Aydın warned:
"Especially when used with alcohol, the first symptoms are usually seen as palpitations and increased blood pressure. In such a case, individuals should not wait by saying 'it will pass,' but should immediately seek help from the nearest healthcare facility. This early intervention can save lives. Age groups and individual differences are also important. The toxic effects of caffeine can vary from person to person. Individuals with heart function disorders, genetic predispositions, or chronic diseases like hypertension should definitely avoid such beverages. Additionally, those taking medications that affect the heart and vascular system, such as blood pressure medications, should also stay away from energy drinks. The interaction of caffeine or alcohol with such medications can lead to serious health problems."