What Kind of Over-the-Counter Medication Can I Get for Energy?

The best way to keep your energy up and remain vibrant is by eating a balanced, varied diet and getting enough rest, reports the University of Memphis. Additional supplements can be costly, and taking too many of one type of vitamin supplements can be stressful for your body.

Energy Drinks

• Energy drinks advertise that they boost energy and are available in stores, gas stations, pharmacies and vending machines. Most contain 90 to 500 mg of caffeine per serving. One can may contain the equivalent of as many as seven cups of coffee. Energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA, and can contain caffeine without listing it on the ingredient label. Most contain other herbs such as ginko, yerba mate, acai, taurine, guarana, creatine and sugar. According to the Cornell University, the side effects of caffeine toxicity are high blood pressure, tremors, dehydration, panic attacks, seizures, tachycardia, diarrhea, stroke, mania and even death.

Coenzyme Q10

• Coenzyme Q10 is a natural compound in tablet, or capsule form that can usually be purchased in most health food stores, vitamin shops and pharmacies. CoQ10 increases energy, improves the immune system and can perform antioxidant activities. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent heart damage, possibly shrink breast tumors and reverse gum disease.

Chromium Picolinate

• Chromium picolinate, a combination of chromium and picolinic acid, is a supplement that increases the efficiency of insulin and can usually be found in any store that sells supplements. In addition to promoting energy, it can stabilize moods, and even increase life span, according to Vanderbilt University. Often used as a weight-loss aid, manufacturers of chromium picolinate claim it can melt fat, increase metabolism and reduce appetite.

Herbal Supplements

• Companies that sell herbal supplements claim that several will help restore energy levels. Instead of providing a sudden boost of energy, the claims attest, these supplements help to restore natural energy. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so these claims are not substantiated. Some supplements that claim to restore energy include: St. John's wart, SAMe, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, spirulina and wheat grass.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are converted to sugar in the body and usually give natural energy. Carbohydrates can be found in nutrition or energy bars or shakes, which usually contain a few vitamin supplements as well. Energy gels are sugar and caffeine and provide a small dose of quick energy lasting about an hour.