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Alert

Generic name: caffeine [ KAF-een ]
Brand names: Jet-Alert, No Doz, Pep-Back ReCharge, Stay Awake, Vivarin, Alert, Pep-Back Peak Performance
Drug class: CNS stimulants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Alert?

Alert is used to help you feel alert or wakeful when you are tired or drowsy.

Alert should not be used as a substitute for sleep.

Alert may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alert side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Alert and call your doctor if you have:

Common side effects of Alert may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alert side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

Alert is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. This medicine gum should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years old, or anyone who is sensitive to this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Alert is safe to use if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Alert?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Each dose of this product usually contains about as much Alert as a cup of coffee, a can of cola, or one energy drink.

Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not consuming more than a total of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day in any form.

You may take the Alert tablet with or without food.

Do not chew more than 2 pieces of the Alert gum at one time. Do not swallow the gum whole.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Detailed Alert dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Alert is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats, trouble sleeping, or feeling nervous or irritable.

What should I avoid while taking Alert?

Avoid food or drinks that contain Alert, such as coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate milk.

What other drugs will affect Alert?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Alert with any other medications, especially tizanidine.

Other drugs may affect Alert, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Alert drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Fioricet contains 40 mg of caffeine, similar to a cup of tea. The following shows the average amount of caffeine in some common beverages:

  • 8 oz of coffee: 80 to 100 mg of caffeine
  • 8 oz green or black tea: 30 to 50 mg of caffeine
  • 12 oz caffeinated soda: 30 to 40 mg of caffeine

Caffeine is not listed as having a drug interaction with the atypical antipsychotic medicine Vraylar (generic name: cariprazine). However, Vraylar may lead to restlessness, the feeling of the need to move around (akathisia), or trouble with sleeping (insomnia) in some patients. Call a health care provider right away if you or your family member has any of these symptoms while receiving Vraylar. Continue reading

Each tablet of Excedrin Migraine contains 65 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, 250 mg of acetaminophen, and 250 mg of aspirin. The dose for adults is 2 caplets or geltabs with a glass of water. Do not take more than two tablets in any 24-hour period, unless directed by a doctor. Continue reading

No, Maxalt does not contain caffeine. Maxalt contains rizatriptan benzoate, a medicine in a class of prescription drugs known as “triptans” used for migraine headaches. Continue reading

Caffeine has been shown to increase the effects of pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen for migraine headaches, increasing the effectiveness of these medicines by up to 40%. Continue reading

More FAQ

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.