As stamina is spent, Link's breath becomes more labored. When the gauge is completely drained, Link will be exhausted for a short while, preventing him from using any weapons or items until the gauge refills, leaving him defenseless if in battle. If Link is climbing vines or on a ledge when his gauge is emptied, he will fall off. If Link consumes a bottle of Stamina Potion, the rate at which his stamina is drained is slowed down considerably. If upgraded into a Stamina Potion+, the gauge sustains no drain at all. The effects of either potion last for three minutes, though this can be doubled with the help of the Potion Medal.