Doctors Sound 'Overdose' Alarm On Snortable Caffeine Powder
By Afouda Bamidele on January 19, 2024 at 1:58 PM EST
The trend of using snortable caffeine instead of coffee for a quick energy boost is gaining popularity among locals.
The craze has now prompted medical professionals to issue a warning that the product could result in an overdose or even busted nostrils.
Doctor's Caution Against Overdosing Risks Linked To Snortable Caffeine
According to reports, people are turning to snortable caffeine, describing it as a "less intense" version of cocaine without the negative side effects. One person, featured in a news report, discovered snortable caffeine in November through the brand Want A Bump? ordered a 1-gram vial for $14.99 and found the immediate energy boost intriguing.
The person claims to now use around 500mg per week for an energy hit, mainly at home throughout the day. He highlighted during a conversation with The NY Post that the appeal of snortable caffeine is that it does not impact his sleep as much as consuming caffeine in other forms.
He also mentioned the novelty of snorting, dubbing it "really groovy," and noted that his younger self would have found it exciting. While Want A Bump? is currently competing in the market with Turbo Snort, another caffeinated nasal spray that claims to provide "400 hours of energy," medical professionals have expressed reservations about the trend, highlighting potential risks.
Speaking on the trend, Dr. Shaline Rao, Director of Heart Failure Services at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, pointed out that "caffeine in food or drink is slower to absorb" than through the nose.
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Due to that, he advised that precision in delivery is crucial for those engaging in snortable caffeine while being mindful of the amount consumed. The key, according to Dr. Rao, is to keep the "amount safe," be aware of "the upper limit of uses to avoid overdose, and allow appropriate time between doses."
Dr. Rao emphasized a potential risk associated with regular snorting, indicating that it could harm nasal passages similarly to the effects of cocaine. In her own words, "I would worry that repeat inhalation of caffeine through the nose could result in damage to the nares."
Amid the medical professional's concerns, it is worth mentioning that Turbo Snort is priced at $11.99 for a 20ml bottle on Walmart.com and has been available for several years.
However, Want A Bump! appears to be making a more significant online push, utilizing an Influencer promotional program that offers cash incentives to individuals sharing videos featuring the product on social media.
Content creator Dillon Slaughter tried it out online and gave it a "ten out of ten," suggesting it as an alternative for those trying to quit cocaine.
On its website, the company advertises that they "don't just sell products; we strive to improve everyday life," while labeling its product as "an innovative energy supplement that consists of a balanced blend of caffeine and inositol [a sugar produced by the body] designed to provide an immediate, smooth energy boost."