Health, substances & immediate support
Names and abbreviations on this page
FDA — Food and Drug Administration. A United States agency regulating products including medicines, medical devices and many foods.
SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A United States agency supporting mental-health and substance-use prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Quick information for you or someone you are concerned about.
Products, stimulants & medication interactions
Over-the-counter medicines, energy drinks, gummies and dietary supplements may contain caffeine, other stimulants or several active ingredients. A product marketed as natural or sold without a prescription is not necessarily free of risks. Ingredients, doses and the combination of substances matter; products from unfamiliar sources may also contain ingredients that are not accurately listed on the label.
Why combinations matter: Two products may contain the same stimulant or medicine, making it easy to take more than intended. Some substances can also change how prescription medicines work or increase side effects. Check the active ingredients and serving sizes on each label, especially before combining a supplement, cold medicine or energy product with a prescription drug.
Concentrated caffeine: Highly concentrated caffeine products can deliver a large dose in a small amount. Effects depend on the amount consumed, a person's sensitivity, existing health conditions and other medicines. Excessive intake can cause a racing heartbeat, agitation or more serious reactions.
What to do: If you are unsure whether a product is safe with your medicines, show the label or ingredient list to a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before taking it. If a person has severe symptoms or a suspected poisoning, use the urgent-help information below rather than waiting for a routine consultation.
FDA: caffeine and safety › FDA: drug interactions ›When you need more than information
Possible poisoning, overdose or unexpected product exposure: In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance, or use its online service.
Do not wait for symptoms if poisoning is suspected.
Poison Control ›Substance-use or mental-health crisis: In the United States, call or text 988.
SAMHSA: find help ›Immediate life-threatening danger: If someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 in the United States or your local emergency number.
Thoughts of suicide or emotional crisis
You can reach a trained crisis counselor in the United States at any time. You do not have to know what to say before reaching out.
What happens when you text: prompts help connect you with a counselor. The counselor will ask about your safety, listen, provide support and may share useful resources.
Immediate physical danger or medical emergency
In the United States, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when someone is in immediate physical danger or needs immediate medical attention.
Need treatment or ongoing support?
FindTreatment.gov can help locate mental-health and substance-use treatment in the United States and its territories.
FindTreatment.gov ›