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Alert

Generic name: caffeine

Brand names: Jet-Alert, No Doz, Pep-Back ReCharge, Stay Awake, Vivarin, Alert, Pep-Back Peak Performance

Last updated October 28, 2026 0 views
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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.

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.

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:

  • heart problems;
  • high blood pressure;
  • a stomach ulcer; or
  • liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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:

  • ongoing tiredness or drowsiness; or
  • ongoing sleep problems.

Common side effects of Alert may include:

  • feeling restless;
  • loss of appetite; or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

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.

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.

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.

Common questions about Alert

How much caffeine is in Fioricet?
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
Does caffeine affect Vraylar (cariprazine)?
Caffeine is not listed as having a drug interaction with the atypical antipsychotic medicine Vraylar (generic name: cariprazine). But Vraylar may lead to restlessness, the feeling of the need to move around (akathisia), or trouble with sleeping (insomnia) in some patients. Caffeine may aggravate these side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you have trouble with sleep or restlessness while taking Vraylar. Continue reading
Does Coffee really help with weight loss?
Current scientific evidence supports coffee's potential as a modest weight loss aid, primarily through its effects on metabolism and appetite regulation. However, the effects are relatively small and work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Continue reading
Over the Counter Water Pills: Uses, Safety, and Need to Know
When you're ready to get serious about weight loss goals, you might find yourself exploring different approaches to shed those extra pounds. Perhaps a friend mentioned trying over-the-counter water pills for quick results. But are OTC diuretics actually a viable weight loss solution? Continue reading
How much caffeine is in Excedrin Migraine?
Each tablet of Excedrin Migraine contains 65 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. A regular adult dose (2 tablets) contains 130 mg of caffeine, roughly equal to an 8-12 ounce cup of coffee. Continue reading
How can I treat a migraine at home safely?
Migraines are a common neurological condition characterized by intense, often throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. While many mild to moderate migraine episodes can be managed safely at home using over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and lifestyle adjustments, it is important to recognize when symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Continue reading
Does caffeine help relieve migraines?
Yes. Caffeine can help relieve migraine pain, but mostly when it is combined with a pain reliever and used only once in a while. Adding 100 mg or more of caffeine to a standard dose of a common pain reliever helps about 5% to 10% more people get good pain relief. Caffeine cuts both ways, though. Drinking too much, or stopping suddenly, can set off a migraine attack in some people. Continue reading
Does Maxalt (rizatriptan) have caffeine in it?
No, Maxalt does not contain caffeine. Neither Maxalt tablets nor Maxalt-MLT orally disintegrating tablets list caffeine as an active or inactive ingredient. The only active ingredient is rizatriptan benzoate, a prescription migraine medicine in a group of drugs called triptans. Continue reading

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.