What could have gone wrong with my taking the drink during the break

Question

I was inspired by articles by GMAT experts suggesting to test takers to take energy drink during CAT breaks in order to replenish their lost mental energy.
On the last test I took, I took lucozade boost during the break after quant. I wasn't actually feeling a bit fagged out after quant section. Because I guessed that as I go into verbal the mental tiredness might set in.
So I took this coca-cola lucozade boost and I wasn't even in up to the 10th question when my brain started taking a reverse. I struggled to concentrate on what was on the screen. I was slowed down terribly. My head was heavy like they put something inside my skull. My body clearly wasn't my body. I guess I was almost depressed(if I'm right). I struggled to finish the test and slammed my laptop shut. (I rushed at the end)
The next day I discovered that in my verbal I had failed questions I ordinarily get right with little effort and stayed too long in them.
My quant wasn't out of this world either but my post here borders on how terribly my system felt during the verbal after taking the drink.
Could the drink be responsible for that?
If so, are there people who don't really get energized by these drinks during GMAT? Cos clearly from debriefs you read they really helped those test takers.

bb · Answer

Was this your first encounter with the drink? or have you had it before?
I know Red Bull helps me concentrate for about 1-1.5 hrs but then I crash; I can see how this could be a similar situation or where your system rejects this drink outright. I can't drink coffee for example - it makes my heart race and I really feel uncomfortable (I am one of those people who can tell decaf from real thing).

Ekland · Answer

I've taken it before but twas neither during any exam nor to boost energy.
I remember taking it in a cousin's house party.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Nez,

Certain foods and drinks will affect Test Takers in different ways, which is one of the reasons why it's important to 'experiment' a bit during your studies - so that you can come up with the perfect combinations of items that you'll use on Test Day. It's interesting that the beverage you drank (which I assume is caffeinated) seemed to have the opposite effect on you. Did you eat anything during that break or did you just drink that beverage? Had you eaten anything before you took that CAT or were you Testing on an empty stomach?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Ekland · Answer

I ate very well before the test.
And during the break I just took only the drink and the drink only. I did nothing else other than take the drink.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Nez,

As odd as it may sound, it's possible that you had some type of allergic reaction to something in that beverage, so you should probably avoid it in the future (and you might want to try other beverages). You might also want to try eating something during your two 8-minute breaks.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

I'd highly recommend that you don't do anything on test day that you haven't been doing in practice. No new drinks, medications, diets, etc. I wouldn't even wear a new sweater! Stick with comfortable and familiar routines, and try your best to recreate what you have already been doing. If you have yet to hit an acceptable score at home, don't take the real test!

nurik · Answer

Not totally relevant, but from my experience - I drank too much water before the exam. During the break, I had to run to WC that was on a different floor and was a bit stressed that I may not be able to make it back in time. Plus it ruined my concentration during the exam.
Eventually, I my score was fine, but I still can't let the thought go that if not for that, I could do slightly better.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

What could have gone wrong with my taking the drink during the break

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards