Temptation to keep energy high in any possible way can arise during the nerve-wracking days of finals week. Some students may want to indulge in caffeine pills to stay awake, but what are the consequences of popping these seemingly safe energy boosters?

Students might be able to recall an example from a long-gone, but classic television show.

In one episode, Saved By the Bell's Jessie Spano was under terrible pressure to perform in a singing group with her friends while also maintaining good grades.

Jessie resorted to taking caffeine pills, but she took too many and became dependent on them.

A variety of side effects can result from using caffeine pills, said Mary Anne Knapp, a clinical social worker and therapist at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

"Sleep deprivation causes a lack of intelligent reasoning," Knapp said.

"Loss of memory and racy thinking can occur."

Knapp said many first-time users of caffeine pills do not consider the negative effects that come with the energy gain.

"Sleep deprivation basically makes people act stupid," she said. "That's the simplest way to put it."

People remain awake but physically become sick, she added.

Knapp said other risks vary among individual users. Some people get panic attacks from the additional energy. People with heart conditions are also at greater risk.

There are other ways to keep energy levels high during finals week without taking caffeine pills, Knapp said.

"Pace yourself and do physical activity," she said. "Try to get some sleep and then get back up and continue with your work."

Knapp also said there is no replacement for planning ahead.

Students have to motivate themselves to spread their work out because it is difficult to force themselves.

"If you're very exhausted, then you should just go to sleep," Knapp said.

She added that nutrition helps to keep students energized, and they should not give up on general self-care -- because that is where the trade-off between being awake and being sick happens.

CVS Pharmacy, 138 E. Beaver Ave., sells several kinds of caffeine pills.

Store manager Fran Johnson said the store often sells pills to students who want to stay awake to study.

"We sell a couple kinds," Johnson said. "We usually do see an increase in sales during the end of the semester."

General Nutrition Center (GNC), located at Nittany Mall, 2900 E. College Ave., sells alternatives to caffeine pills for students who want more energy.

Store employee Chris Konachik said the store sells a product called Guarana-C.

Guarana is an herb from Brazil that can give an energy boost when blended with vitamin C.

"It's a natural herb that provides a dose similar to a caffeine pill," Konachik said. "It's not the same amount, but it's a good form of energy."

Konachik said that while this herb is available at GNC, many people do not ask for the product."It's a natural herb that provides a dose similar to a caffeine pill," Konachik said.

"It's not the same amount, but it's a good form of energy."