Student in Moscow Hospitalized after Mixing Antidepressants with Energy Drink Ahead of Exam
A student in Moscow required hospital care after consuming antidepressants together with an energy drink the night before an important exam. The incident was reported by a Telegram channel and later confirmed by medical professionals. The report described how the student was anxious about the upcoming test and, in an attempt to keep pace with a heavy study schedule, gathered with classmates late on the night before the exam to review the material in depth. The student consumed an energy drink to stay alert and maintain focus, but the level of stress and arousal rose rather than subsiding.
At this point the student turned to a doctor-prescribed antidepressant and took it along with the energy drink in the belief that it would help manage anxiety and sustain cognitive performance during the late hours of study. Shortly afterward, signs of physical distress appeared. The individual sought help from medical professionals and was transported to a major emergency medicine facility for evaluation and treatment. The patient is currently under medical supervision, receiving monitoring and supportive care as doctors assess the effects of the combination and any potential interactions with the energy drink. This case underscores the importance of medical guidance when contemplating the use of prescription medications in the context of high stress and sleep deprivation. [Citation: City health authorities]
Experts in psychotherapy and neurology have repeatedly explained how excessive caffeine intake and energy-boosting beverages can influence the nervous system, particularly when combined with medications. High caffeine consumption can elevate heart rate, increase blood pressure, and intensify anxiety or sleep disturbances. In people taking antidepressants, interactions with stimulants may alter the expected therapeutic effect, potentially worsening symptoms or complicating side effects. Medical professionals emphasize the need to follow doctor instructions and to avoid self-medicating with reminders such as energy drinks during high-stress periods. [Citation: Clinical psychology guidelines]
Earlier this year there were additional medical concerns involving young patients. In spring, a four-year-old child was admitted to a hospital in St. Petersburg due to poisoning from antidepressants. The incident drew attention to the safe storage and administration of medications for children and the importance of clear dosing instructions. Medical teams responded with emergency care and ongoing evaluation to prevent recurrence and safeguard pediatric health. [Citation: Pediatric health service]
Medical experts stress that management of exam stress should focus on healthy strategies. Sleep hygiene, regular activity, and proper planning can reduce the risk of risky coping behaviors. When the nervous system is already under pressure, any non-prescribed stimulant or mood-altering medication can amplify symptoms and produce unpredictable results. Professional guidance is essential for anyone dealing with anxiety or performance pressure. [Citation: National preventive health guidance]
In Moscow and across Russia, doctors advise students and families to recognize warning signs that may require urgent evaluation. These include chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, severe agitation, or fainting. If such symptoms occur, seeking immediate medical help is critical. Collaborative care between primary physicians, psychiatrists, and emergency departments helps ensure safe and effective responses to such situations. [Citation: Emergency medicine protocols]
While isolated incidents like this can appear alarming, they reinforce the ongoing public health message about responsible medication use and the risks of combining prescription drugs with stimulants. Educational institutions are encouraged to offer mental health support, stress management resources, and substance-free study strategies to help students maintain both academic performance and well-being. [Citation: Public health outreach]
Overall, the cases reported this year highlight a broader need for awareness about how stress, sleep loss, and pharmacological agents interact. Health professionals advocate for caution, early intervention, and access to counseling and medical advice when students feel overwhelmed. By prioritizing safe coping mechanisms, learners can protect their health while pursuing academic goals. [Citation: Health services review]