The line of "5-hour Energy"® products are available over-the-counter as energy supplements. The appeal of these products involves ease of use, low caloric value, and the absence of sugar to prevent a "crash" later in the day. The definitive efficacy and potency of the products is unknown due to the lack of evidence-based clinical reports. It is suspected that the efficacy related to these products is due to the caffeine content, which was reported as 138 mg per 2-ounce bottle in an online caffeine content chart. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, four way crossover study is to evaluate the efficacy of "5-hour Energy"®, "5-Hour Energy Decaf"®, caffeine, and placebo for perceived energy and wakefulness.

Please see brief summary contained above.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects must be age 18 years or older who consume no more than five caffeinated beverages and products per day. One caffeinated beverage is defined as any of the following: six ounces of cold or hot coffee or tea, twelve ounces of soda with caffeine, or one energy drink.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age less than 18 years

• Subjects who are pregnant or breast-feeding

• Diagnosis of any of the following disease states:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Cerebral vascular accident
  • Narcolepsy
  • Seizure disorders
  • Uncontrolled hypertension

• Active therapy with stimulant medications - any medications containing amphetamine, atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine, diethylpropion, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, phentermine, or modafinil

• Use of decongestants or other products containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine for more than 15 days within the past 30 days

• Subjects who work third shift or rotate to two or more different shifts for their job, not allowing them to have a regular sleep schedule