Why Do I Feel High After Drinking a Monster?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a single 16-oz can of Monster Energy contains 160mg of caffeine, a powerful stimulant that can over-stimulate the central nervous system. This intense concentration of stimulants is the primary reason why you may feel high after drinking a Monster.

Quick Summary

A can of Monster can cause intense physiological and psychological effects, including jitteriness, anxiety, and a rapid heart rate. These sensations result from the potent mix of high caffeine content, large amounts of sugar, and other stimulating ingredients like guarana and taurine. The fast absorption of these compounds creates a sudden, overwhelming surge in alertness, followed by a noticeable crash.

Key Points

Intense Stimulant Cocktail: The "high" is caused by Monster's combination of synthetic caffeine, high sugar, guarana, and taurine working together to over-stimulate the central nervous system.
Fast Absorption: Synthetic caffeine is absorbed faster than natural caffeine from coffee, leading to a sudden, overwhelming rush rather than a gradual boost.
Dopamine and Sugar: High sugar content triggers a dopamine release, creating a temporary euphoric sensation, often followed by a severe crash due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Heightened Anxiety: For sensitive individuals, the extreme stimulation can manifest as heightened anxiety, panic attacks, or intense jitteriness instead of a euphoric feeling.
Mitigate Effects: To reduce the feeling, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced meal to slow absorption, and engage in light physical activity.
Dependency Risk: Frequent consumption can lead to both physical and psychological dependency on caffeine and sugar, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

The Perfect Storm: Ingredients That Mimic a 'High'

Feeling 'high' or overly energized after consuming an energy drink like Monster isn't a random occurrence; it's a predictable physiological response to a potent cocktail of stimulants and sugars. The main culprit is the high dose of synthetic caffeine, which is absorbed into the bloodstream far more quickly than natural caffeine found in coffee. This rapid absorption leads to a sudden rush of alertness and stimulation. Simultaneously, the massive sugar content triggers a dopamine release, the brain's "feel-good" hormone, which can create a temporary sense of euphoria. This combination of a nervous system stimulant and a mood-enhancing sugar rush is what creates the overwhelming sensation described as feeling 'high.'

Caffeine's Overwhelming Impact

The effects of caffeine are central to this experience. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired. By blocking adenosine receptors, caffeine promotes the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase alertness and arousal. When delivered in a high, concentrated dose, as in a Monster energy drink, this effect is significantly amplified, leading to a state of hyper-alertness that can be mistaken for a drug-induced high. For those sensitive to caffeine or those who consume it infrequently, the effect can be particularly jarring, manifesting as jitters, anxiety, and a racing heart.

The Sugar Rush and Crash

Most Monster energy drinks contain a substantial amount of added sugar, often 54 grams per 16-oz can in the original formula. This causes a rapid spike in blood sugar, which the liver then processes, leading to an even larger surge in the bloodstream. This influx of sugar, coupled with caffeine's effect on dopamine, creates the intense, but short-lived, euphoric feeling. The flip side is the inevitable sugar crash that follows. As the body's insulin responds to the sugar spike, blood sugar levels drop, leading to a sudden and significant decrease in energy. This crash often results in fatigue, irritability, and mood swings, a stark contrast to the initial high.

Other Stimulating Ingredients

Monster contains other stimulants that contribute to the overall effect. Guarana, a plant-based stimulant, significantly increases the drink's total caffeine content, often without being fully accounted for on the label. Taurine, an amino acid, is also included, though its exact role in combination with high caffeine is not fully understood. While some studies suggest it may aid mental focus, it is not the primary driver of energy. The synergy of these ingredients—synthetic caffeine, high sugar, guarana, and taurine—creates a powerful combined effect that is more intense than any single component alone.

Comparison: Monster vs. Coffee

While both coffee and Monster contain caffeine, the way they affect the body is significantly different due to their composition. The table below outlines some key distinctions.


Feature	Monster Energy Drink	Brewed Coffee (16 oz)
Caffeine Source	Synthetic, fast-acting	Natural, slower absorption
Added Sugar	High (often ~54g)	None (unless added)
Absorption Rate	Rapid spike	Gradual, smoother effect
Crash Effect	Pronounced and intense	Milder or non-existent
Additional Stimulants	Guarana, Taurine, Ginseng	None
Overall Effect	Intense, overwhelming rush	Sustained, smoother energy

How to Minimize the Jittery 'High'

If you want to reduce the unpleasant over-stimulation from a Monster, there are several steps you can take:

Hydrate with Water: Drink plenty of water. Caffeine is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which exacerbates jittery feelings. Staying hydrated can help flush your system.
Eat Something: Consuming a balanced meal with protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates can help slow the absorption of caffeine and sugar. This helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes and softens the inevitable crash.
Engage in Light Activity: A short walk or light exercise can help your body metabolize the caffeine more quickly and reduce restlessness. Avoid strenuous exercise, which could put additional strain on your heart.
Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel your heart rate increasing and anxiety setting in, deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system and bring your heart rate back down.

Conclusion

The "high" feeling after drinking a Monster is not a myth but a real physiological and psychological response to its potent combination of high-dose synthetic caffeine, large amounts of sugar, and other stimulants. This mix creates a rapid, intense, and often overwhelming surge of energy and euphoria, which is quickly followed by an equally intense crash. Understanding how these ingredients interact and recognizing the distinct effects can help you manage your consumption and avoid the unwanted side effects. For those seeking a more controlled and sustainable energy boost, opting for natural sources of caffeine like coffee, consumed without excessive sugar, is often a healthier alternative. While an occasional energy drink may not be harmful for a healthy adult, regular or excessive consumption carries significant health risks, including anxiety, heart palpitations, and dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the "high" is not the same. It is a colloquial term to describe the intense and rapid over-stimulation of the central nervous system caused by the potent mix of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. It does not replicate the complex neurological effects of illicit drugs.

A standard 16-ounce can of Original Monster Energy contains 160mg of caffeine, but the caffeine source is synthetic and absorbed faster than naturally occurring caffeine, intensifying its effects.

Yes, for many people, especially those sensitive to caffeine, the high stimulant load in Monster can trigger or worsen anxiety and even lead to panic attacks. It significantly increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can mimic the symptoms of anxiety.

Many Monster drinks, like the Original Green, contain a large amount of sugar, typically around 54 grams per 16-ounce can. This leads to a rapid sugar rush followed by an energy crash.

Taurine is an amino acid in Monster, but it is not a stimulant. It plays a supportive role in various bodily functions. The intense energy boost comes primarily from the high doses of caffeine and sugar, not taurine, though it contributes to the overall effect when combined with other ingredients.

Regular consumption of Monster and other energy drinks is associated with health risks, including cardiovascular issues, anxiety, insomnia, and the development of dependency. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against energy drink consumption for adolescents.

To mitigate the effects, drink plenty of water to combat dehydration, eat a meal to slow absorption, and consider light exercise like a walk. Deep breathing can also help calm your nervous system and heart rate.