Clock Icon

... min read

April, 08, 2026

Why Do Energy Drinks Make Me Feel Itchy, and Is it Bad?
Clock Icon

... min read

April, 08, 2026

Why Do Energy Drinks Make Me Feel Itchy, and Is it Bad?

That itchy or tingling feeling after drinking an energy drink is most likely caused by Beta-Alanine and niacin triggering a paresthesia or a temporary flush reaction. While it can feel uncomfortable, it’s usually harmless and fades on its own. Still, your body is giving you feedback. If the sensation bothers you—or feels more intense than expected—it might be a sign to switch brands, reduce your intake, or rethink how often you rely on energy drinks in the first place.

    Why do unhealthy energy drinks make me feel itchy?

    Have you ever drank an energy drink or pre-workout powder and suddenly felt a tingling or itchy sensation on your face, neck, or arms? No, you’re not imagining it. This is a surprisingly common reaction, and while brands claim it’s harmless, the discomfort has a name: paresthesia. And it’s something consumers deserve to know about.

    The Most Common Culprit: Beta-Alanine.

    Paresthesia, or skin tingling or itching, is caused by beta-alanine binding to the nerve receptors in your skin. 

    Why do energy drink brands include it?

    Beta-Alanine is commonly found in energy drinks, pre-workouts, and exercise supplements because it actually is functional: It raises carnosine levels in your muscles, buffering lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. It’s been proven to improve endurance performance.

    Another Cause: Niacin (Vitamin B3)

    One of the main reasons energy drinks can make you feel itchy is niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Many energy drinks contain high doses of this vitamin because it helps support energy metabolism.

    But niacin has a well-known side effect called a “niacin flush.”

    When this happens, you might notice:

    • Itching or tingling on the skin, especially on the face and upper body
    • Warmth or a burning sensation
    • Redness or flushing of the skin

    This reaction occurs because niacin causes your blood vessels to expand (vasodilation), increasing blood flow near the surface of your skin.

    The result? That prickly, itchy, sometimes hot feeling.

    Why do brands include it?

    Well, this one is more complicated. The reason brands have Niacin, at all, is because Vitamin B3 looks good on a label and is genuinely functional as part of a B-Vitamin stack (usually with B6 and B12). 

    However, most energy brands take it over the top with more than 100% Daily Value - way more than is necessary. This is because some consumers have come to expect the flush, and take it as a sign that the drink is actually working. In reality, you’d be fine with significantly less.

    Other Ingredients That Can Contribute

    While Beta-Alanine and Niacin are the most likely cause, they’re not the only possible triggers.

    1. Caffeine Overstimulation

    Energy drinks often contain large amounts of caffeine. In sensitive individuals, caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to sensations like restlessness, jitteriness—and occasionally skin sensitivity or mild itching.

    2. Artificial Additives

    Colorings, preservatives, and flavoring agents can sometimes cause mild allergic or sensitivity reactions in certain people. If the itchiness is accompanied by hives or swelling, this could be worth paying attention to.

    3. Other B Vitamins

    Energy drinks are often packed with multiple B vitamins. In high doses, some of these can also contribute to unusual skin sensations, though niacin is the primary one linked to flushing.

    Is It Dangerous?

    In most cases, the itching from energy drinks is not dangerous—just uncomfortable.

    However, you should take it more seriously if you experience:

    • Hives or raised welts
    • Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Dizziness or fainting

    These could be signs of an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.

    Why It Happens More to Some People

    Not everyone gets itchy from energy drinks. A few factors can make you more likely to experience it:

    • Higher sensitivity to niacin
    • Drinking on an empty stomach (which can intensify effects)
    • Consuming large amounts quickly
    • Lower body weight or slower metabolism

    How to Prevent the Itchy Feeling

    If you enjoy energy drinks but want to avoid the itch, here are some simple strategies:

    • Check the label for niacin content—higher doses increase the chance of flushing
    • Sip slowly instead of chugging
    • Drink with food to reduce intensity
    • Choose lower-dose or alternative drinks
    • Limit how often you consume them
    Support Center Icon Support Center

    Got Questions?

    For a point of reference the following are the amounts of caffeine in 1-8 ounce cup: coffee contains about 95-165 mg of caffeine, green tea contains about 20-45 mg of caffeine and black tea about 40-70 mg of caffeine. Jitters can happen when you’ve consumed more than your body can handle. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that 400 milligrams of caffeine is a safe amount to consume.

    The biggest difference is the source. Ethan’s gets its energy directly from plants such as green tea, guayusa and B vitamins.

    Yes, it offers the same alertness without the common side effects associated with high caffeine consumption.

    Yes, especially in individuals sensitive to caffeine or in those who consume it excessively.

    Authored By

    Ethan Hirshberg

    Authored By

    Ethan Hirshberg