A woman on TikTok says one sip of an Alani Nu Witch’s Brew flavor had her racing to the ER. April (@aprilnichole_) told followers that about a week ago, she cracked one open—and within 20 minutes, something felt very wrong.
“I started having really weird numbness in my neck all the way down to my fingertips,” she said. “I thought I was having a stroke.”
Her mom urged her to get to the hospital immediately. April suggested that ER staff didn’t seem to take her seriously at first, but they eventually ran tests, including an EKG, and prescribed gabapentin for nerve pain.
As of Friday, April’s video had racked up more than 1.1 million views.
Did Other Alani Nu Flavors Have The Same Effect?
The next day after returning home from the hospital, April said she gave Witch’s Brew another try, but said the same unsettling symptoms hit. Later that evening, she tested a different Alani Nu flavor and felt fine, which only made the pattern stand out more.
Still not ready to rule it out completely, she said she gave Witch’s Brew one more shot a few days later. Sure enough, the numbness came roaring back.
“I’m not freaking out this time because obviously I know what it is,” she told viewers. “But please tell me I’m not alone.”
“I know for a fact that Witch’s Brew Alani is causing stroke-like symptoms,” she added, urging others to share if they’d experienced the same thing.
In a follow-up clip, April claimed her doctors essentially refused to see her because they “knew” the drink was to blame. While they couldn’t outright confirm it without breaking confidentiality, she said her doctor hinted that other patients had come in with the same complaint.
“I will never put an Alani in my body,” she said.
According to April, her doctor also warned that it could take two to four weeks for the stroke-like symptoms to fade completely.
Are Alani Nu Witch’s Brew Drinks Dangerous?
It’s possible that drinking Alani Nu Witch’s Brew—or any high-caffeine energy drink—could trigger symptoms that mimic a stroke, especially for people sensitive to stimulants or with underlying health conditions.
Each can of the Witch’s Brew drinks, in particular, packs 200 milligrams of caffeine, enough to spike blood pressure and heart rate. Both are known risk factors for stroke. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, or RCVS, a condition where blood vessels in the brain suddenly narrow, has also been linked to energy drinks. While RCVS is usually temporary, in severe cases it can cause a stroke.
Caffeine isn’t the only concern. Witch’s Brew also contains other stimulants, such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract, which can amplify stress on the heart and nervous system. For someone already prone to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or anxiety, that can be especially risky.
Individual sensitivity also plays a significant role. Some people can down an energy drink without issue. Others might experience jitteriness, chest pain, or neurological symptoms after just one can. And for anyone with existing heart problems or a history of vascular issues, the risk is much higher.
While most people won’t end up in the ER after drinking Witch’s Brew, the ingredients and stimulant load make it entirely possible for specific individuals to develop stroke-like symptoms—even after a small amount.
If you find yourself in a situation similar to April’s, such as experiencing sudden numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking after drinking an energy drink—or, really, at any other time—treat it as a medical emergency and get help immediately.
@aprilnichole_ Please tell me I’m not alone!! It’s legit the only flavor that has done this!!!! #alani #er #contentcreator
Viewers Share Experiences Drinking The Witch’s Brew Drink
Not everyone who’s tried Alani Nu’s Witch’s Brew says it caused stroke-like symptoms, but several admitted it made them feel off.
“I’ve noticed with the new witches brew I’ve had crazy fatigue, headaches, palpitations, and trouble focusing my eyes,” one commenter wrote. “It has never affected me before.”
“[I’ve] been drinking one Witch’s Brew for the past 3 days and I definitely feel weird after drinking it,” another added. “Different symptoms like extreme fatigue and bad headaches.” (That person said other Alani flavors hadn’t caused similar issues.)
“Sooooo that’s why my shoulder has been tingling!! I’m shook!” a third chimed in.
But some regular Alani drinkers pushed back, saying Witch’s Brew hasn’t given them any problems at all.
“I drank the Witch’s Brew Alani and I didn’t have any symptoms,” one woman said. “I was just fine. So that’s weird.”
“I love the Witch’s Brew Alani! It’s my favorite flavor,” another wrote. “No symptoms for me, but I also sip on it.”
“I’ve never had this issue & I’m obsessed with Witch’s Brew,” a third said.
BroBible has reached out to April via TikTok comment and to Alani Nu by email.