caffeine instead of prescription stimulants for ADD?

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Has anyone used caffeine for ADD instead of prescription stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Nuvigil, etc.) for ADD? If so, in what form (caffeinated soft drinks, regular coffee, what?), how much of the drinks, and how often?

never tried cafeine pills....tried coffee...didn't agree with it, but I do drink tea.

i drink 3-6 cups of tea when i am buisy

1-2 on a reagular day.

When I drink caffeinated soft drinks, I get a slightly upset stomach. Any idea why this is, and how to avoid it?

Maybe I should try coffee again (I don't like to drink tea).

I wonder if I could get energy drinks payed for by the government.

Welp, here looks like a good spot for my first post on this site.

In my experience, caffeine always triggered anxiety and makes it harder for me to focus. Even with plans laid out, I have an even harder time focusing.

That, and like Frieslander, it just doesn't agree with my stomach.

That said... Still have 1-2 cups of coffee a day

Sorry I wasn't more helpful!

That was the remedy used for my bro-in-law back in the day, when ADD didn't exist and people were just "hyper."

For him, it seemed to work (as long as it was just one cup and not more). His ADD seems to have been pretty mild though. He's well into adulthood now, and has figured out how to deal with it pretty well.

I've done naturopathic consults with kids with ADD, and there are a few things that someone might bother trying before the pharmaceuticals. Mostly yeah, that cup of coffee thing. Secondly, remove chemicals from the diet. Lastly, rule out food intolerances.

If those don't remove the problem, I make it very clear it's high time to go see the M.D. because I've done used all the tools in my tool box.

Some of the clients who tried those non-pharma possibilities had luck...others did not.

The neighbor's boy has ADHD and has struggled with that. None of the usual "alternative" methods worked for him. Parenting classes helped...a little. My neighbors are sweet folks not to into the structure and discipline aspect of parenting (that's no knock on them, mind you). Ritalin has worked for him. That and having a job that requires physical activity. (He works in his dad's restaurant and I gotta say is really really good at his job.)

milk?

It's a long story as to why I didn't get a diagnosis as a kid, but my Mum always suspected I had ADHD, but because there was nothing on paper (and back then, everyone was SO over medicated, she didn't exactly want to put me on meds anyway) we tried the low sugar, lots of exercise approach... It seemed to help for the most part, but when I just couldn't sit still or calm down, she had no issues giving me some coffee (and sometimes even pop, but only when coffee wasn't available) and to this day I still use this. I'm 26 now and was diagnosed about a month ago officially with ADHD- Keep in mind, sometimes some kids/ adults DO need medication, depending on the severity. My sister has ADHID (attention deficit hyperactive impulsivity disorder) and even on her meds she's still full of beans- The difference is she can sit for 2 minutes instead of 2 seconds, and she's much less impulsive and much less violent.

I think if it works, use it, if it doesn't seek out the right medication and dose for you.

The stimulants used to treat ADD and prescribed as modern sleep aids and antidepressants are chemically constructed and work on the brain in a way that actually has an effect opposite what you think of as 'stimulating' (but its also why many people using drugs like Ambien sleepwalk).

In my experience, caffeine and similar stimulants may help keep me awake, but do nothing to help me focus and can actually make sensory overstimulation more uncomfortable than usual. I've never heard of meth making people more focused and productive, but it sure makes them crazy as sh*thouse rats.


I recommend Chamomile, very strong Chamomile. If you don't like the taste of the tea, its available online in gelcaps.

My thoughts on the subject -> http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt167066.html