A coffee in the morning helps me to get going. But during the day, it calms me a bit. And at night, it does not keep me awake. Hmm... it affects me exactly the same as Adderall. It makes sense- it's a stimulant, just like most AD/HD medications. Caffeine doesn't make me lethargic or sleepy, though. Just calm.
LCdc, I'm glad you aren't drinking that much soda now!! All that sugar, acid, and who know what else, can't be good for you!! (Although I admit I'm a soda fiend, too!)
I have never felt the "effects" of caffiene that others talk about..keeping them awake, jitters, etc... I drink 4-5 cups in the morning and have for 30 years. Can drink coffee before I go to bed without any problem of going to sleep. Same drinking any caffienated beverage. Didn't know I had ADD until a couple months ago, so now it makes sense why I'm different and don't get the "jitters" from it. It's probably also the reason why mornings are better for me in terms of keeping my attention going longer on my work and not getting all flustered like I am prone to do as the day wears on (and the caffiene wears off?!).
I self medicated with caffeine for years and years. I still drink excessive amounts of soda. I'm trying to cut back now that I'm on medication, but it's hard. I wouldn't say it makes me tired, but it has never kept me up. I drink it from morning until just before going to bed, and it's never affected my sleep like it would non ADHD people. [QUOTE=katsjo]
HI
I am new here, but I really appreciate what I am hearing from you adults and young adults with ADHD. You are helping me understand even more. Every day I wonder what lies ahead for my son, and your sharing gives me a head start to help him.
When I recently mentioned to my son's (8 yrs old, 5 yrs. developmentally) psych about how he was off the wall at night he said that maybe I should give him a ritalin before going to bed. I thought he was crazy. This guy is so insightful and in tune...he told me about this one evening he was having dinner with a friend. After dinner, the doc orders decaf, the friend orders regular coffee, one after another. He knows enough to think...hmmm, tells the friend of his concerns (they had been there before) and sure enough, he's adult adhd.
My doc tells me, what stimulates us, soothes those with adhd. The evening dose of ritalin did not work...he's on clonidine. This was about a year ago. Love my doc. After hearing all of you, I feel I'm in compentent hands.
Take care all of you.
k
[/QUOTE]HI
I am new here, but I really appreciate what I am hearing from you adults and young adults with ADHD. You are helping me understand even more. Every day I wonder what lies ahead for my son, and your sharing gives me a head start to help him.
When I recently mentioned to my son's (8 yrs old, 5 yrs. developmentally) psych about how he was off the wall at night he said that maybe I should give him a ritalin before going to bed. I thought he was crazy. This guy is so insightful and in tune...he told me about this one evening he was having dinner with a friend. After dinner, the doc orders decaf, the friend orders regular coffee, one after another. He knows enough to think...hmmm, tells the friend of his concerns (they had been there before) and sure enough, he's adult adhd.
My doc tells me, what stimulates us, soothes those with adhd. The evening dose of ritalin did not work...he's on clonidine. This was about a year ago. Love my doc. After hearing all of you, I feel I'm in compentent hands.
Take care all of you.
k