As the Title sugests, I think this is hogwash. However, I have an open mind, and in moderation, perhaps Caffeine could help my situation.
Im not gonna do the BS with “A friend of mine”.
I have ADHD. Im old enough to have gotten in before it was the Diagnosis of the month (or year… or decade). And frankly, if I don’t have ADHD I’ve got something. I know that much. A friend of mine picked up on my ADHDness and suggested of all things… Caffeine pills. Taken regaurdless, every 3-4 hours (With each meal). I’m 22 and in College, so I picked up my first pack of store brand generic pills.
Here is the rub for me.
Pro: Caffeine is a stimulant. Ritalin (Which Im no longer on) is a Stimulant. Yes, It appears to be backwards logic, but people with AD/HD are understimulated. The … “alertness” factor of the Caffeine I guess should lock me in to the task at hand.
Con: ITS CAFFEINE! I can understand popping perhaps one a Day right before I crack open my books… at the most. The packaging states its the same as two cups of Coffee. (200mg Caffeine). Yet, it also states to be taken occasionally.
Again, I dont drink Coffee at all. I get my ““Vitamin C”” in Mountain Dew and Diet Coke ((Ok, again, the store brand, Im in college… remember?))
I havent popped any yet, but I figure, since I don’t care for Coffee, I can use up the pills for their intended use (All nighters) if this idea doesn’t work. Then again with an experation of 2009, I think I dont have to worry about wasting my 3 bucks.
So. On the fine line of not being medical advice;
Does an increase of Caffeine (with out sugar) help an individual concentrate, and study. Is the effect of caffeine to help study maximized or minimized for some one with ADHD?
Question: Why are you no longer on Ritalin?
Contrary to the many misconceptions about it, the damn stuff works, when prescribed for the right reasons and under the supervision of a knowledgeable physician.
If you have any reason to believe you have ADHD, please see a professional. Only a professional can determine whether or not you do, in fact, have ADHD – and what (if anything) medication you can or should take (and in this case I’d include your caffeine tablets under the heading of “intended medication”).
There is at least one (old, small) study purporting to demonstrate that low dose caffeine was superior to high dose. In fact, high dose caffeine was similar in effect (or lack thereof) to placebo. The authors interpreted this to indicate that there was a curvilinear pattern of dose-response for caffeine in this disorder.
So, if you do try it, why not start with a low dose?
A lot of stimulants, such as cocaine, caffeine (Vivarin), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine (Adderall), etc. will “cure” ADHD. What actually seems to happen is that symptoms are reduced (or completely eliminated) due to selective stimulation of different brain neurotransmitters.
You seem to be under the impression that caffeine pills are somehow worse for your health than prescription stimulants. The only thing worse for your health in case of caffeine is the self-administration aspect of it - it’s easy to get hooked and keep increasing your dose until you need 600mg - 800mg just to get out of bed(I’ve been there…). Caffeine is just not the strongest stimulant, especially when it comes to dopamine, so talk to your doctor.
Now, the stigma surrounding all this has got to stop. A person who recreationally snorts cocaine to make their life better is not that different for example from a person who is prescribed Desoxyn for their ADD. In fact, the only difference is medical supervision and legality. I’ve known people with severe ADHD who have been on stimulant medication for over a decade, and I’ve known people who have been “abusing” stimulant medications for over a decade. There’s little practical difference except those brought on by lack of doctor control and illegality of behavior for the latter group.
Many people with AD/HD do self medicate w/ caffeine, many w/o knowing (or accepting) they have AD/HD. Stim meds (including caffeine) work differently in different people. I would personally try to get caffeine naturally before popping a pill, but I think it’s worth a shot.