STORRS, Conn. -- Health experts have asked students at Connecticut colleges to stay away from energy drinks that give you a boost because they’re dangerous.

University of Hartford student Brittany Yohay ran into a gas station at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday for a pick-me-up. She said she was pulling an all-nighter.

“I have a psychology test at 8 a.m., so that's why I'm studying,” Yohay said. “I drink a Red Bull (because) coffee gives me jitters.”

Faculty members at the University of Connecticut said they’re also noticing more students drinking energy drinks with catchy names, like Venom and Rockstar. They said that’s why they’ve organized a forum to address the downsides energy drinks.

The event didn’t just attract students.

“I always take an energy drink in the morning,” said Connecticut State Trooper Jamie Sanders.

One of the most common ways people are taking these drinks is by mixing them with alcohol, UConn head team physician Jeffrey Anderson said. He said the drinks prevent the brain from knowing the body's drunk, which may cause students to drink more.

“And the problem is if you test that person’s driving skills, fine motor skills, they're every bit as drunk as they really are,” he said.

Another ingredient in the drinks -- fructose -- has another negative effect on the brain.

“People are often more hungry and will consume another drink and carbs and over time have a propensity to overeat,” UConn researcher and professor Jeff Volek said.

Over time, he said, that can lead to weight gain and body-fat increase.

Health experts warned that the drinks can cause hypertension and rapid heart beats as well, but that they may be OK in moderation.