NORWEGIAN YOUTHS OVER DOSE CAFFEINE

Norwegian youths over dose on caffeine tablets which they buy on the
Swedish side of the border. The youths take large doses of the tablets to
stay awake to partake in various entertainment.

Overdosing can, according to Norwegian doctors, interfere with the heart
rhythm and, in large quantities also lead to death.

Caffeine tablets can not be bought without a prescription in Norway. As
early as 1980, after a serious miss use was discovered, the medication
became controlled.

In Sweden, however, that's not the case.

- - Teens and older youths request unusually large quantities of caffeine.
Since it's uncontrolled in Sweden we cannot refuse to sell it, says Peter
Bergengren, Head Pharmacist in Stromstad by the Swedish/Norwegian border.

Just this past month, he and his co-workers have sold 57,000 caffeine
tablets; almost all to Norwegian youths.

Coffeine tablets are generally not a fast moving item and most folks rather
have a cup of coffee, says Bergengren.

The local Norwegian radio station in Ostfold reported Thursday that some
youthful elements in the country were ingesting large doses of caffeine to
stay awake to engage in various entertainment events or to spend the night
surfing the Intenet. They can then stay awake un-naturally long periods.

Norwegian doctors urge now these youths to cease their Stomstad purchases.

Many believe this preparation to be harmless even in large doses but anyone
that takes ten or more tablets can suffer heart problems, difficulty in
breathing or, in severe cases, cramps or seizures. In really large doses it
can cause death and that we have also seen, says Elling Bergland, a doctor
at the Onsoy Medical Clinic in Fredrikstad.

Swedish youths never buy caffeine tablets, says the Pharmacist in
Stromstad, Peter Bergengren