WIMMERA pharmacists are unanimous in warning footballers not to take caffeine tablet No Doz, following publicity about the drug on Channel Nine's The Footy Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Several pharmacists said exposure on the show had generated several requests for the drug.
Horsham pharmacist Des Lardner said the drug was not specifically designed for sports use.
"It's very dangerous to use," he said.
"The only competitive edge people can get is through hard work and training.
"It's safer to just drink coffee because it has a range of other ingredients apart from caffeine.
"Taking the chemical in one big whack has potential hazards.
"We don't want young people to start on a pathway that all solutions come out of a bottle."
Kaniva pharmacist Rohan Brennan said the drug had some serious health effects if people overdosed on it.
"The package warns people should not be taking more than six in 24 hours and the drug should be taken at least three hours apart," he said. "Some of the side effects include heart palpations, nervousness, muscle twitching, dizziness and frequent urination.
"I think it was irresponsible for the show to discuss the topic."
