mr.d
02-14-2005, 09:41 PM
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was very young. I am now 17 and haven’t been medicated for quite some time. Just over half a year ago I read something about how caffeine, being a stimulant, can have the same effect as any other AD(H)D medication. I tried coffee while doing an attention-requiring task, and was surprised as to how much it worked. I almost crave it whenever I go to read the paper or do my homework now. Has anyone else found this? I hate the idea of self-medicating, but I also hate taking medication (whenever I do my mom won’t stop asking questions about it). I’m sure medication is much more effective, but I thought I’d throw this out there to what others have to say about it. :cool:
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Blue102
02-15-2005, 10:02 AM
I haven't been officially diagnosed with ADD yet, and I haven't tried the meds. However, I know that I have inattentive ADD. And I know that I absolutely CANNOT function without my coffee. I drink it strong, black, all day long. If I don't, my brain fog is horrendous. What's funny is, I've been a coffee addict for a long time, even before I realized that I have ADD. I didn't understand why I needed it so badly until recently!
linkj57
02-15-2005, 11:59 AM
I have always been a heavy coffee drinker. In college about an hour before a exam I would have two large coffees. It would help my mind think clearer and stay more focused. I did not know at the time I was ADD. It's funny how the mind knows what it needs. I found out several years ago while I was in my last semester in college that I have initentive type ADD. I didn't start meds until about 3 months ago. Now that I'm on meds I don't crave the coffee so much. I think the reason I crave it less is because I don't need it to help me think clearer. I hope this makes sence.
vintagegas
02-15-2005, 09:26 PM
Finally, a topic I can give some input: I was only diagnoised with ADHD two months ago, but I have been addicted to Caffine several times. In the form of "Excederin" aspirin. Lot's of caffine in those little babies! I'd pop a couple within minutes after I got up, a couple hours later at work, I'd pop a couple more, by the end of the day when I realized that something was really, really wrong, I was taking up to 12 a day. I woke up with a headache, and "needed" the Excederin to get rid of it. I ended up with an ulcer. I was self medicating and didn't even know it. This happened several times, each time I tried to get off of it, I actually went through some type of mini-withdrawls. Yes, you can get addicted to caffine.
suzy_Q
02-18-2005, 02:13 PM
My son has mild to moderate adhd. He has tried Strattera, which worked for about a year and a half. Now he doesn't take meds, but if we need to be somewhere where I really need him to be quiet and focus I let him have a caffeinated soda beforehand. It really works! it just kinda takes the edge off of him. People look at me like I'm crazy because he has a reputation as being a little high strung and then they see me giving him a Mountain Dew :) I wouldn't give him caffeine on a regular basis because I know that it is addictive but every once in a while it's nice to have it around.
angel_of_faith
02-19-2005, 08:34 PM
I was hoping you all had made a thread dealing with caffine. I have a question...hope someone can answer it or atleast help me....I am dating this guy and he has told me that if he drinks soda or anything with caffine it makes him tired. Is this anything related to ADD or ADHD? Thanks for your help :angel:
kandr92103
02-19-2005, 09:15 PM
I too have found that for myself with inattentive ADD that caffeine helps my focus. So, as long as my coffee doesn't have sugar in it I am fine. Sugar sends me over the top though.
Jennita
02-20-2005, 03:40 PM
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was very young. I am now 17 and haven’t been medicated for quite some time. Just over half a year ago I read something about how caffeine, being a stimulant, can have the same effect as any other AD(H)D medication. I tried coffee while doing an attention-requiring task, and was surprised as to how much it worked. I almost crave it whenever I go to read the paper or do my homework now. Has anyone else found this? I hate the idea of self-medicating, but I also hate taking medication (whenever I do my mom won’t stop asking questions about it). I’m sure medication is much more effective, but I thought I’d throw this out there to what others have to say about it. :cool:
Caffiene is weaker than amphetamines but certainly can work. What's wrong with self-medicating with a substance that isn't even on a controlled substance list (like amphetamines are)....that alone tells you which is safer and which has less side effects. If caffeine had as many complications and dangers, it would be a controlled substance.
We could say I self-medicate anxiety with drinking alot of milk for it's calming effects, so what, should I start popping Valiums instead?
IMHO, choosing between a simple cup of coffee or a pharmaceutical version of speed is a no-brainer......if it works, it works so what's the beef anyway?
Oh, wait, I know what the beef is....your doctor and pharmaceutical companies can't make money off coffee....
Caffiene is weaker than amphetamines but certainly can work. What's wrong with self-medicating with a substance that isn't even on a controlled substance list (like amphetamines are)....that alone tells you which is safer and which has less side effects. If caffeine had as many complications and dangers, it would be a controlled substance.
We could say I self-medicate anxiety with drinking alot of milk for it's calming effects, so what, should I start popping Valiums instead?
IMHO, choosing between a simple cup of coffee or a pharmaceutical version of speed is a no-brainer......if it works, it works so what's the beef anyway?
Oh, wait, I know what the beef is....your doctor and pharmaceutical companies can't make money off coffee....
Jennita
02-20-2005, 04:01 PM
I was hoping you all had made a thread dealing with caffine. I have a question...hope someone can answer it or atleast help me....I am dating this guy and he has told me that if he drinks soda or anything with caffine it makes him tired. Is this anything related to ADD or ADHD? Thanks for your help :angel:
I'm thinking this can be either parodoxial effect or ones' ability to a fast metabolism of the caffiene, once metabolized, it's stimulant effect wears off and then can make someone tired....tired is the opposite, or withdrawal effect of stimulants..
I know the popular explanation is ADDers' have opposite effects from stimulants, and although that may be true, that just means ADDers metabolize stimulants differently...however, the same health dangers from taking amphetamines apply to them too, it doesn't give them immunity..
I'm thinking this can be either parodoxial effect or ones' ability to a fast metabolism of the caffiene, once metabolized, it's stimulant effect wears off and then can make someone tired....tired is the opposite, or withdrawal effect of stimulants..
I know the popular explanation is ADDers' have opposite effects from stimulants, and although that may be true, that just means ADDers metabolize stimulants differently...however, the same health dangers from taking amphetamines apply to them too, it doesn't give them immunity..
Blue102
02-20-2005, 04:41 PM
I was hoping you all had made a thread dealing with caffine. I have a question...hope someone can answer it or atleast help me....I am dating this guy and he has told me that if he drinks soda or anything with caffine it makes him tired. Is this anything related to ADD or ADHD? Thanks for your help :angel:
Or, maybe the caffiene dehydrates him, and that's why it makes him tired...?
Or, maybe the caffiene dehydrates him, and that's why it makes him tired...?
Jennita
02-21-2005, 10:19 PM
Or, maybe the caffiene dehydrates him, and that's why it makes him tired...?
Good point! Excellent! I myself forgot, caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration, which in turn causes tiredness.
Good point! Excellent! I myself forgot, caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration, which in turn causes tiredness.
index.html
02-22-2005, 02:39 PM
What's wrong with self-medicating with a substance that isn't even on a controlled substance list (like amphetamines are)....that alone tells you which is safer and which has less side effects. If caffeine had as many complications and dangers, it would be a controlled substance....
Hmmm... Interesting logic. You know, the other over-the-counter substance that ADD'ers frequently self-medicate with is nicotine. Since it isn't a controlled substance, would you also argue that it must be safe and without side effects?
Hmmm... Interesting logic. You know, the other over-the-counter substance that ADD'ers frequently self-medicate with is nicotine. Since it isn't a controlled substance, would you also argue that it must be safe and without side effects?
Jennita
02-22-2005, 02:59 PM
Hmmm... Interesting logic. You know, the other over-the-counter substance that ADD'ers frequently self-medicate with is nicotine. Since it isn't a controlled substance, would you also argue that it must be safe and without side effects?
Yours is interesting too, since you are comparing a known highly cancer-causing agent with one that is not. ;)
I did not mean to say EVERYTHING that is not controlled is safe but merely that when something is in that catagory of "controlled", you must heed that warning this substance can be dangerous.
Not only should we heed controlled substance warnings but also the surgeon generals' warnings, which are on cigarettes but not coffee tins or cola cans...
I think if people want to drink coffee for ADD, there's nothing wrong with that given the alternatives IMHO.
Yours is interesting too, since you are comparing a known highly cancer-causing agent with one that is not. ;)
I did not mean to say EVERYTHING that is not controlled is safe but merely that when something is in that catagory of "controlled", you must heed that warning this substance can be dangerous.
Not only should we heed controlled substance warnings but also the surgeon generals' warnings, which are on cigarettes but not coffee tins or cola cans...
I think if people want to drink coffee for ADD, there's nothing wrong with that given the alternatives IMHO.
index.html
02-23-2005, 06:18 AM
The point is, Jennita honey, that whether or not a substance is controlled or not has nothing to do with its risk profile but is, instead, a function of the market for it on the street. Deciding to make a substance "controlled" is more in the realm of the DEA than the FDA.
And talk about a powerful lobby: how about the tobacco industry? That "known highly cancer-causing agent" is not only legal without a prescription but its growth continues to be subsidized by the US government! You want to talk about a conspiracy? Let's talk about that.
And talk about a powerful lobby: how about the tobacco industry? That "known highly cancer-causing agent" is not only legal without a prescription but its growth continues to be subsidized by the US government! You want to talk about a conspiracy? Let's talk about that.
Jennita
02-23-2005, 02:26 PM
The point is, Jennita honey, that whether or not a substance is controlled or not has nothing to do with its risk profile but is, instead, a function of the market for it on the street. Deciding to make a substance "controlled" is more in the realm of the DEA than the FDA.
And talk about a powerful lobby: how about the tobacco industry? That "known highly cancer-causing agent" is not only legal without a prescription but its growth continues to be subsidized by the US government! You want to talk about a conspiracy? Let's talk about that.
But sweetie, the tobacco industry has come forward with every tidbit of infomation, they aren't hidding one itty bitty thing about their product....they openly admit what can happen. The drug companies, on the other hand, try to hide the dangers or scoff it off.....remember the fairly recent investigations by that attorney general in New York that revealed unpublished clinical trials that showed the very scary adverse effects from antidepressants in children?
The drug co's only published the "postive" clinical trial and tucked away the scary stuff. What about the whistleblower on Neurontin makers for having him basically deceiving doctors in order to push Neurontin for off-label use, which resulted in some severe adverse effects for many patients? He was smart, had his proof, the law and courts found the makers guilty.
Yep, there's a few conspiracy theories for all to see. And plenty more where that came from.
A controlled substance is dubbed such because of it's POWER. THus making it more dangerous if consumed in large doses. A large dose of amphetamine in ONE day could kill you, whereas drinking coffee even all day will not kill you that day, neither will chainsmoking in one day either. That's why the amphetamine must have a control, to hopefully avoid a fatal overdose.
To original poster, original question:
So, going by that I would have to say, that IMHO, it's ok to use caffeine to self-medicate. It is less powerful, thus less dangerous in large amounts. It is much weaker a stimulant than amphetamines; the only drawback might be it doesn't work because it is so much weaker. But according to your post, it has been working for you!
Why not use something less dangerous for your ADD if it actually does work? It's even cheaper, and you don't need a prescription. Less hassle, same effect, safer medium. IMHO, I would use the caffiene.
However, large consumption of caffiene does have some health disadvantages to the cardiovascular (like all stimulants) ,could cause some sleeplessness so try not to overdo it....
IMHO....
And talk about a powerful lobby: how about the tobacco industry? That "known highly cancer-causing agent" is not only legal without a prescription but its growth continues to be subsidized by the US government! You want to talk about a conspiracy? Let's talk about that.
But sweetie, the tobacco industry has come forward with every tidbit of infomation, they aren't hidding one itty bitty thing about their product....they openly admit what can happen. The drug companies, on the other hand, try to hide the dangers or scoff it off.....remember the fairly recent investigations by that attorney general in New York that revealed unpublished clinical trials that showed the very scary adverse effects from antidepressants in children?
The drug co's only published the "postive" clinical trial and tucked away the scary stuff. What about the whistleblower on Neurontin makers for having him basically deceiving doctors in order to push Neurontin for off-label use, which resulted in some severe adverse effects for many patients? He was smart, had his proof, the law and courts found the makers guilty.
Yep, there's a few conspiracy theories for all to see. And plenty more where that came from.
A controlled substance is dubbed such because of it's POWER. THus making it more dangerous if consumed in large doses. A large dose of amphetamine in ONE day could kill you, whereas drinking coffee even all day will not kill you that day, neither will chainsmoking in one day either. That's why the amphetamine must have a control, to hopefully avoid a fatal overdose.
To original poster, original question:
So, going by that I would have to say, that IMHO, it's ok to use caffeine to self-medicate. It is less powerful, thus less dangerous in large amounts. It is much weaker a stimulant than amphetamines; the only drawback might be it doesn't work because it is so much weaker. But according to your post, it has been working for you!
Why not use something less dangerous for your ADD if it actually does work? It's even cheaper, and you don't need a prescription. Less hassle, same effect, safer medium. IMHO, I would use the caffiene.
However, large consumption of caffiene does have some health disadvantages to the cardiovascular (like all stimulants) ,could cause some sleeplessness so try not to overdo it....
IMHO....
index.html
02-24-2005, 05:03 AM
A controlled substance is dubbed such because of it's POWER. THus making it more dangerous if consumed in large doses. A large dose of amphetamine in ONE day could kill you, whereas...That's why the amphetamine must have a control, to hopefully avoid a fatal overdose.
....
A large dose of Tylenol in one day will kill you, too. Substances are not controlled because of their "power". They are controlled to keep them off the streets.
I'm not arguing about caffiene's safety (although I do doubt that it is good for us). I "use" caffiene, too. A recent article in National Geographic about caffiene was interesting. It showed scans of users on and off of it. It seems that heavy users really due have to have their daily fix just to get their brains as awake as a non-user's brain. In other words, addictive.
....
A large dose of Tylenol in one day will kill you, too. Substances are not controlled because of their "power". They are controlled to keep them off the streets.
I'm not arguing about caffiene's safety (although I do doubt that it is good for us). I "use" caffiene, too. A recent article in National Geographic about caffiene was interesting. It showed scans of users on and off of it. It seems that heavy users really due have to have their daily fix just to get their brains as awake as a non-user's brain. In other words, addictive.
Vintage Wine
02-24-2005, 11:09 AM
Oh, wait, I know what the beef is....your doctor and pharmaceutical companies can't make money off coffee....
Maybe Starbucks can profit from it and start a new marketing technique:
"Feeling unfocused? Try our new Turbo Quadruple Cappucino Grande Latte!!" :bouncing:
Maybe Starbucks can profit from it and start a new marketing technique:
"Feeling unfocused? Try our new Turbo Quadruple Cappucino Grande Latte!!" :bouncing:
Ellethiel
02-24-2005, 12:14 PM
I have ADD, but i'm pretty sure my dad does too, although i don't think he'd ever really admit to it. My dad majorly self medicates with espresso. and he knows it. He drinks a 4 shot machiato in the morning, and then coffee when he gets to work, and then later in the day and then he might have another espresso in the evening. sometimes he'll have 2 4 shot machiatos in the morning, spaced out a bit. and then coffee later.
Then disaster struck. his espresso machine broke! :eek: and he has been without it since... the middle of december. my mom was going insane cuz she could tell him something, and then an hour or so later, or the next day, she would refer to it and he wouldn't know what she was talking about. just that spacey inattentive thing. its funny in a way. i mean, we're able to laugh about it. but he just got a replacement for his espresso machine and it was one that was returned to the company, and well, it doesn't work. so he still doesn't have it. :rolleyes: we're hoping he'll get it back soon.
Then disaster struck. his espresso machine broke! :eek: and he has been without it since... the middle of december. my mom was going insane cuz she could tell him something, and then an hour or so later, or the next day, she would refer to it and he wouldn't know what she was talking about. just that spacey inattentive thing. its funny in a way. i mean, we're able to laugh about it. but he just got a replacement for his espresso machine and it was one that was returned to the company, and well, it doesn't work. so he still doesn't have it. :rolleyes: we're hoping he'll get it back soon.
Jennita
02-24-2005, 02:16 PM
A large dose of Tylenol in one day will kill you, too. Substances are not controlled because of their "power". They are controlled to keep them off the streets.
I'm not arguing about caffiene's safety (although I do doubt that it is good for us). I "use" caffiene, too. A recent article in National Geographic about caffiene was interesting. It showed scans of users on and off of it. It seems that heavy users really due have to have their daily fix just to get their brains as awake as a non-user's brain. In other words, addictive.
Well, sure, but I can't imagine Tylenol on the streets, can you?
Ok, good point about tylenol and death "possibility", I suppose, but I'm still betting as far as power and danger, tylenol pales in comparison to amphetamines.......and tylenol certainly doesn't cause some of the side effects that controlled, prescription doses of amphetamine does. I havent' heard of anyone going have insomnia, mood swings, anorexia, etc. from daily dosing of tylenol and tylenol might kill before it could ever cause psychosis.
Shoot, if we get down to it, we can die from too much of things we actually need to survive, like some vitamins and I've even heard of people almost dying from too much water consumption!!!!
So I guess we can nit-pick about such things till doomsday but the fact remains amphetamines are very powerful, controlled substances with many ill effects and dangers, so if the poster can get by with some coffee, well, why not????
I guess to me it makes no sense to be on a prescription drug with all the dangers when a cup o' joe is all it takes for the person to get a positive effect.
But you know what I think? Again, this is IMHO....psychology is at work here in the psychiatric profession....they dub using coffee, coke, etc. as "self medicating".
Now to me, that sounds so bad, like the person is doing something horrible to themselves instead of doing what is expected of them by society, that is, to go get some pills from a doctor, aka "real help".
Psychiatry has its place in severe situations such as psychosis and schizophrenia, but they have of late taken up social labeling of behaviors and shortcomings of people and have claimed biological theory as biological fact.
Theyr'e out of control with over-prescribing, over diagnoising, misdiagnosing, without investagation or really knowing the root cause of certain people's behaviors or problems.
It's becoming 90% sham and money making venture and I think most people going into the profession now don't even know it.....this is of course, ONLY MY PERSONAL OPINION, although some people I talk to seem to share this with me.
Again, one must choose. If coffee doesn't work and one wants terribly to have medication, so be it. But I think the original poster here was doing just fine with his own methods... :)
I'm not arguing about caffiene's safety (although I do doubt that it is good for us). I "use" caffiene, too. A recent article in National Geographic about caffiene was interesting. It showed scans of users on and off of it. It seems that heavy users really due have to have their daily fix just to get their brains as awake as a non-user's brain. In other words, addictive.
Well, sure, but I can't imagine Tylenol on the streets, can you?
Ok, good point about tylenol and death "possibility", I suppose, but I'm still betting as far as power and danger, tylenol pales in comparison to amphetamines.......and tylenol certainly doesn't cause some of the side effects that controlled, prescription doses of amphetamine does. I havent' heard of anyone going have insomnia, mood swings, anorexia, etc. from daily dosing of tylenol and tylenol might kill before it could ever cause psychosis.
Shoot, if we get down to it, we can die from too much of things we actually need to survive, like some vitamins and I've even heard of people almost dying from too much water consumption!!!!
So I guess we can nit-pick about such things till doomsday but the fact remains amphetamines are very powerful, controlled substances with many ill effects and dangers, so if the poster can get by with some coffee, well, why not????
I guess to me it makes no sense to be on a prescription drug with all the dangers when a cup o' joe is all it takes for the person to get a positive effect.
But you know what I think? Again, this is IMHO....psychology is at work here in the psychiatric profession....they dub using coffee, coke, etc. as "self medicating".
Now to me, that sounds so bad, like the person is doing something horrible to themselves instead of doing what is expected of them by society, that is, to go get some pills from a doctor, aka "real help".
Psychiatry has its place in severe situations such as psychosis and schizophrenia, but they have of late taken up social labeling of behaviors and shortcomings of people and have claimed biological theory as biological fact.
Theyr'e out of control with over-prescribing, over diagnoising, misdiagnosing, without investagation or really knowing the root cause of certain people's behaviors or problems.
It's becoming 90% sham and money making venture and I think most people going into the profession now don't even know it.....this is of course, ONLY MY PERSONAL OPINION, although some people I talk to seem to share this with me.
Again, one must choose. If coffee doesn't work and one wants terribly to have medication, so be it. But I think the original poster here was doing just fine with his own methods... :)
index.html
02-25-2005, 05:20 AM
Well, sure, but I can't imagine Tylenol on the streets, can you?
EXACTLY! And THAT is why it isn't a controlled substance!
My point is only to refute the accuracy of this statement:
What's wrong with self-medicating with a substance that isn't even on a controlled substance list (like amphetamines are)....that alone tells you which is safer and which has less side effects....
The other claim you make that is inaccurate is that Ritalin is "pharmaceutical speed". You state it as fact, rather than opinion, and it is incorrect. But, we can save that discussion for another day!
EXACTLY! And THAT is why it isn't a controlled substance!
My point is only to refute the accuracy of this statement:
What's wrong with self-medicating with a substance that isn't even on a controlled substance list (like amphetamines are)....that alone tells you which is safer and which has less side effects....
The other claim you make that is inaccurate is that Ritalin is "pharmaceutical speed". You state it as fact, rather than opinion, and it is incorrect. But, we can save that discussion for another day!
Mr. Rich
02-25-2005, 10:03 AM
I agree, psychiatry is a way to make money for the most part.
Jennita
02-25-2005, 03:54 PM
EXACTLY! And THAT is why it isn't a controlled substance!
My point is only to refute the accuracy of this statement:
The other claim you make that is inaccurate is that Ritalin is "pharmaceutical speed". You state it as fact, rather than opinion, and it is incorrect. But, we can save that discussion for another day!
Ummm, the tylenol thing was a joke ;) Anyway, as far as Ritalin, yeah, it's not actual amphetamine but amphetamine like in action nevertheless...I was mainly thinking of Adderall, which is pharmaceutical speed.
Again, we need not nitpick this stuff...bottom line, if caffeine works for the person, it isn't any more dangerous or unhealthful than amphetamine or amphetamine like drugs.
My point is only to refute the accuracy of this statement:
The other claim you make that is inaccurate is that Ritalin is "pharmaceutical speed". You state it as fact, rather than opinion, and it is incorrect. But, we can save that discussion for another day!
Ummm, the tylenol thing was a joke ;) Anyway, as far as Ritalin, yeah, it's not actual amphetamine but amphetamine like in action nevertheless...I was mainly thinking of Adderall, which is pharmaceutical speed.
Again, we need not nitpick this stuff...bottom line, if caffeine works for the person, it isn't any more dangerous or unhealthful than amphetamine or amphetamine like drugs.
Jennita
02-25-2005, 03:58 PM
I have ADD, but i'm pretty sure my dad does too, although i don't think he'd ever really admit to it. My dad majorly self medicates with espresso. and he knows it. He drinks a 4 shot machiato in the morning, and then coffee when he gets to work, and then later in the day and then he might have another espresso in the evening. sometimes he'll have 2 4 shot machiatos in the morning, spaced out a bit. and then coffee later.
Then disaster struck. his espresso machine broke! :eek: and he has been without it since... the middle of december. my mom was going insane cuz she could tell him something, and then an hour or so later, or the next day, she would refer to it and he wouldn't know what she was talking about. just that spacey inattentive thing. its funny in a way. i mean, we're able to laugh about it. but he just got a replacement for his espresso machine and it was one that was returned to the company, and well, it doesn't work. so he still doesn't have it. :rolleyes: we're hoping he'll get it back soon.
That Espresso is strong stuff. My father is 100% Italian, and those households back then let their children drink coffee as soon as age 6, so he's been drinking coffee a long time...he's 80 this year and not in bad shape health-wise, except for another Italian household tradition....overeating :D
But they even made him wait intil he was older to drink Espresso!
Then disaster struck. his espresso machine broke! :eek: and he has been without it since... the middle of december. my mom was going insane cuz she could tell him something, and then an hour or so later, or the next day, she would refer to it and he wouldn't know what she was talking about. just that spacey inattentive thing. its funny in a way. i mean, we're able to laugh about it. but he just got a replacement for his espresso machine and it was one that was returned to the company, and well, it doesn't work. so he still doesn't have it. :rolleyes: we're hoping he'll get it back soon.
That Espresso is strong stuff. My father is 100% Italian, and those households back then let their children drink coffee as soon as age 6, so he's been drinking coffee a long time...he's 80 this year and not in bad shape health-wise, except for another Italian household tradition....overeating :D
But they even made him wait intil he was older to drink Espresso!
Jennita
02-25-2005, 04:04 PM
I agree, psychiatry is a way to make money for the most part.
Yes, although I'm sure there are some in the profession who really do want to help people....but for the most part, they are just there to dispense drugs and make the 200 bucks or whatever they get these days.
I mean, they want us to believe social shyness, according to the commerical statements, is not only a chemical imbalance but also a "serious" medical condition. Do they mean like cancer??? :p
Sorry, I may buy into some of the theories concerning bi-polar and schizophrenia, but I'd have to draw the line where the socially challenged are concerned...
I also don't buy that a woman's menstral cycle/hormones can actually be considered a mental disorder, PMS sucks but it's really just nature....I guess men like the idea of PMDD though ;)
Yes, although I'm sure there are some in the profession who really do want to help people....but for the most part, they are just there to dispense drugs and make the 200 bucks or whatever they get these days.
I mean, they want us to believe social shyness, according to the commerical statements, is not only a chemical imbalance but also a "serious" medical condition. Do they mean like cancer??? :p
Sorry, I may buy into some of the theories concerning bi-polar and schizophrenia, but I'd have to draw the line where the socially challenged are concerned...
I also don't buy that a woman's menstral cycle/hormones can actually be considered a mental disorder, PMS sucks but it's really just nature....I guess men like the idea of PMDD though ;)
Jennita
02-25-2005, 04:06 PM
Hey, Mr. D, are you still drinking your coffee? I bet you didn't expect such a discussion/debate over coffee and coca-cola, eh? :wave:
Jennita
02-25-2005, 04:09 PM
Maybe Starbucks can profit from it and start a new marketing technique:
"Feeling unfocused? Try our new Turbo Quadruple Cappucino Grande Latte!!" :bouncing:
If I owned Starbucks, I'd go for it. Look how it worked for the pharmaceutical companies...
"Feeling unfocused? Try our new Turbo Quadruple Cappucino Grande Latte!!" :bouncing:
If I owned Starbucks, I'd go for it. Look how it worked for the pharmaceutical companies...
Zenfish
03-02-2005, 11:23 AM
Just quit the caffeine. Caffeine shrinks your capillaries and cuts off circulation to your brain, which any ADD person cannot afford. Caffeine shuts down the control center of your brain, letting every other area run free and wild, which may be wild and entertaining, but certainly doesn't put you in control or make you happy.
Jennita
03-02-2005, 02:37 PM
Amphetamines mimic the actions of adrenaline (also called epinephrine, one of the transmitters of our sympathetic NS). Immediate effects of amphetamine include vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, and other signs.
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of arteries, which restricts blood flow. I'm thinking maybe since amphetamines are much stronger than caffeine, they would have a profound effect on this in comparison. Hypertension can cause brain stroke, which is considered a cutoff of sorts to circulation of the brain.
Addiction profile of Amphetamine:
Dependence is readily induced in both humans and lab animals. One drug use is stopped, the person will experience withdrawal, which includes the following symptoms: increased appetite; weight gain; decreased energy; and increased need for sleep. Severe depression is possible.
Addiction Profile of Caffeine:
Recent research has indicated that caffeine does not stimulate the nucleus accumbens, so it is not addicting in the sense that other stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines do. The existence of mild withdrawal symptoms suggests that there is some physical dependence.
Probably the best choice in all this is having no amphetamine or caffeine, but the caffeine is clearly the lesser of two evils.
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of arteries, which restricts blood flow. I'm thinking maybe since amphetamines are much stronger than caffeine, they would have a profound effect on this in comparison. Hypertension can cause brain stroke, which is considered a cutoff of sorts to circulation of the brain.
Addiction profile of Amphetamine:
Dependence is readily induced in both humans and lab animals. One drug use is stopped, the person will experience withdrawal, which includes the following symptoms: increased appetite; weight gain; decreased energy; and increased need for sleep. Severe depression is possible.
Addiction Profile of Caffeine:
Recent research has indicated that caffeine does not stimulate the nucleus accumbens, so it is not addicting in the sense that other stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines do. The existence of mild withdrawal symptoms suggests that there is some physical dependence.
Probably the best choice in all this is having no amphetamine or caffeine, but the caffeine is clearly the lesser of two evils.
Zenfish
03-03-2005, 08:56 AM
I'm not sure coffee is helping people's ADD so much as it's relieving their headache caused by caffeine wthdrawal. Coffee just brings them back to what would be their normal ADD level if they had never consumed caffeine.
Why bother suffering from both caffeine addiction and ADD?
Why bother suffering from both caffeine addiction and ADD?
Jess75
03-03-2005, 09:56 AM
I have always been a heavy coffee drinker. In college about an hour before a exam I would have two large coffees. It would help my mind think clearer and stay more focused. I did not know at the time I was ADD. It's funny how the mind knows what it needs. I found out several years ago while I was in my last semester in college that I have initentive type ADD. I didn't start meds until about 3 months ago. Now that I'm on meds I don't crave the coffee so much. I think the reason I crave it less is because I don't need it to help me think clearer. I hope this makes sence.
Are your grades improving as a result of this?
Are your grades improving as a result of this?
index.html
03-04-2005, 11:41 AM
I agree, psychiatry is a way to make money for the most part.
...but for the most part, they are just there to dispense drugs and make the 200 bucks or whatever they get these days.
:nono: I don't believe these statements any more than I believe that all blondes are bimbos, all divorcees are loose women, or that one race is superior to another! I don't believe that you can generalize about people like that! :nono:
The vast majority of psychiatrists that I have met chose their profession because either they themselves or someone in their family was affected by mental illness. They wanted to find a way to understand and to help. Another significant number couldn't handle the hours of some of the other specialities, like OB for instance.
While the money isn't bad in psychiatry, surgeons make ALOT more. If they were in it for the money, they should have been surgeons.
...but for the most part, they are just there to dispense drugs and make the 200 bucks or whatever they get these days.
:nono: I don't believe these statements any more than I believe that all blondes are bimbos, all divorcees are loose women, or that one race is superior to another! I don't believe that you can generalize about people like that! :nono:
The vast majority of psychiatrists that I have met chose their profession because either they themselves or someone in their family was affected by mental illness. They wanted to find a way to understand and to help. Another significant number couldn't handle the hours of some of the other specialities, like OB for instance.
While the money isn't bad in psychiatry, surgeons make ALOT more. If they were in it for the money, they should have been surgeons.
Jennita
03-04-2005, 02:06 PM
:nono: I don't believe these statements any more than I believe that all blondes are spacey, all divorcees are loose, or that one race is superior to another! I don't believe that you can generalize about people like that! :nono:
The vast majority of psychiatrists that I have met chose their profession because either they themselves or someone in their family was affected by mental illness. They wanted to find a way to understand and to help. Another significant number couldn't handle the hours of some of the other specialities, like OB for instance.
While the money isn't bad in psychiatry, surgeons make ALOT more. If they were in it for the money, they should have been surgeons.
Isn't surgery a bit more messy/labor intensive way to make a living? ;) Actually, surgerons are far more valuable in my own opinion....and you know, there are very few people cut out for it. Doubt some psychiatrists could handle it. They probably were the squemish types in med school.
If surgeons want to make more money, maybe they should start their own business, or become astronauts or even movie stars!!!
I don't know, what's the point here? :confused:
I think(my opinion) it is that psychiatry itself has become something different than in the past.....more greedy and fused with the ideas of drug co's of easy money in a prescription pad. The industry as a whole finds and invents biological disease everyday when most times there is none. If, as stated in the commercial for Zoloft, social anxiety disorder is a "serious medical condition", then I'm Tinkerbell.
The vast majority of psychiatrists that I have met chose their profession because either they themselves or someone in their family was affected by mental illness. They wanted to find a way to understand and to help. Another significant number couldn't handle the hours of some of the other specialities, like OB for instance.
While the money isn't bad in psychiatry, surgeons make ALOT more. If they were in it for the money, they should have been surgeons.
Isn't surgery a bit more messy/labor intensive way to make a living? ;) Actually, surgerons are far more valuable in my own opinion....and you know, there are very few people cut out for it. Doubt some psychiatrists could handle it. They probably were the squemish types in med school.
If surgeons want to make more money, maybe they should start their own business, or become astronauts or even movie stars!!!
I don't know, what's the point here? :confused:
I think(my opinion) it is that psychiatry itself has become something different than in the past.....more greedy and fused with the ideas of drug co's of easy money in a prescription pad. The industry as a whole finds and invents biological disease everyday when most times there is none. If, as stated in the commercial for Zoloft, social anxiety disorder is a "serious medical condition", then I'm Tinkerbell.
index.html
03-04-2005, 03:43 PM
Oh, never mind.
pakemuumama
03-04-2005, 04:02 PM
And I know that I absolutely CANNOT function without my coffee. I drink it strong, black, all day long. If I don't, my brain fog is horrendous.
Blue, my brain fog went away COMPLETELY when I found out that I was allergic to gluten (contained in wheat, oats, barley and rye) and cut it out of my diet, along with sugar. Further, every time I go back to the sugar it causes an energy coma shortly after the effects wear off. My functioning is even clearer with a whole foods diet that includes lots of raw or undercooked vegetables and fruits, less meat and more whole grains, and lots of water.
Katie
Blue, my brain fog went away COMPLETELY when I found out that I was allergic to gluten (contained in wheat, oats, barley and rye) and cut it out of my diet, along with sugar. Further, every time I go back to the sugar it causes an energy coma shortly after the effects wear off. My functioning is even clearer with a whole foods diet that includes lots of raw or undercooked vegetables and fruits, less meat and more whole grains, and lots of water.
Katie
rheanna
03-05-2005, 02:26 AM
Blue, my brain fog went away COMPLETELY when I found out that I was allergic to gluten (contained in wheat, oats, barley and rye) and cut it out of my diet, along with sugar.
Katie
Katie,
I had to laugh (at myself -- not you). I was about to congratulate you on finding a diet that works to clear your brain fog, and wistfully say that I too am on a gluten-free diet but it doesn't seem to be doing anything for my brain fog. Then I remembered -- I've been in menopause for 16 years or so (prolonged by various levels of hormone replacement therapy), and I discovered the problems with gluten only in the last 7 years or so. Soooo any ADD benefits of being gluten-free are being canceled out by the brain fog induced by hormones in transition! (I also spend a lot of time on the Menopause board!)
At any rate, I'm glad your diet is working -- it gives me hope.
--Rheanna
Katie
Katie,
I had to laugh (at myself -- not you). I was about to congratulate you on finding a diet that works to clear your brain fog, and wistfully say that I too am on a gluten-free diet but it doesn't seem to be doing anything for my brain fog. Then I remembered -- I've been in menopause for 16 years or so (prolonged by various levels of hormone replacement therapy), and I discovered the problems with gluten only in the last 7 years or so. Soooo any ADD benefits of being gluten-free are being canceled out by the brain fog induced by hormones in transition! (I also spend a lot of time on the Menopause board!)
At any rate, I'm glad your diet is working -- it gives me hope.
--Rheanna
Jennita
03-05-2005, 03:57 AM
Oh, never mind.
Ahhh, now you are making me feel like the wicked witch of the west when I really wanted to be Tinkerbell :angel:
Ahhh, now you are making me feel like the wicked witch of the west when I really wanted to be Tinkerbell :angel:
index.html
03-05-2005, 03:55 PM
...like the wicked witch...
Your words, not mine! ;)
Seriously, Jennita, this is what I don't get. You've been very open about the problems you had with Ativan. I don't understand why you don't spend more time on the anxiety and panic boards warning about the addiction potential of the benzodiazepenes and, instead, focus your energies crusading against ADD and depression. I know, you're protecting the poor, innocent children. But, why depression? Why is that such a crusade for you?
Your words, not mine! ;)
Seriously, Jennita, this is what I don't get. You've been very open about the problems you had with Ativan. I don't understand why you don't spend more time on the anxiety and panic boards warning about the addiction potential of the benzodiazepenes and, instead, focus your energies crusading against ADD and depression. I know, you're protecting the poor, innocent children. But, why depression? Why is that such a crusade for you?
Jennita
03-05-2005, 05:29 PM
Your words, not mine! ;)
Seriously, Jennita, this is what I don't get. You've been very open about the problems you had with Ativan. I don't understand why you don't spend more time on the anxiety and panic boards warning about the addiction potential of the benzodiazepenes and, instead, focus your energies crusading against ADD and depression. I know, you're protecting the poor, innocent children. But, why depression? Why is that such a crusade for you?
Well, as a result of my problem I became very interested in the effects of other psychoactive drugs, such as benzos, AD's, stimualants and antipsychotics. I do hang on the other boards, I tend to shift back and forth and sometimes leave a board for quite some time and then may come back later.
I do enjoy some of the other boards like the Fitness, vitamin and alternative boards too although I do not post as much there because I havent' read up as much on those issues so I just read and learn. It's very helpful and I like the information.
I think also some of it here is because my nephew was diagnoised ADHD and for awhile he was on the drugs, so I started hanging around here more.
He's ok, doing good, but off the drugs due to his parents did not like the adverse effects, although mild compared to some, they did not choose to continue.
Now a year and a half later, he is actually doing very well in school, can play the violin, skateboards and now is interested in learning guitar. He still tends to hype up slightly at times, but it seems he has matured now to actually act quite normal. Even my daughter has noticed his higher maturity level now, as she used to wonder if he'd ever stop being a "spaz" (her terminology not mine).
I think he was just a bit behind in maturing, alot of kids mature faster than others. His was slower, but it happened. Can those smaller brains can still grow larger in time, just as feet and height I wonder.
I really believe it's not how fast you get there, but it's getting there that really counts in the end.
Seriously, Jennita, this is what I don't get. You've been very open about the problems you had with Ativan. I don't understand why you don't spend more time on the anxiety and panic boards warning about the addiction potential of the benzodiazepenes and, instead, focus your energies crusading against ADD and depression. I know, you're protecting the poor, innocent children. But, why depression? Why is that such a crusade for you?
Well, as a result of my problem I became very interested in the effects of other psychoactive drugs, such as benzos, AD's, stimualants and antipsychotics. I do hang on the other boards, I tend to shift back and forth and sometimes leave a board for quite some time and then may come back later.
I do enjoy some of the other boards like the Fitness, vitamin and alternative boards too although I do not post as much there because I havent' read up as much on those issues so I just read and learn. It's very helpful and I like the information.
I think also some of it here is because my nephew was diagnoised ADHD and for awhile he was on the drugs, so I started hanging around here more.
He's ok, doing good, but off the drugs due to his parents did not like the adverse effects, although mild compared to some, they did not choose to continue.
Now a year and a half later, he is actually doing very well in school, can play the violin, skateboards and now is interested in learning guitar. He still tends to hype up slightly at times, but it seems he has matured now to actually act quite normal. Even my daughter has noticed his higher maturity level now, as she used to wonder if he'd ever stop being a "spaz" (her terminology not mine).
I think he was just a bit behind in maturing, alot of kids mature faster than others. His was slower, but it happened. Can those smaller brains can still grow larger in time, just as feet and height I wonder.
I really believe it's not how fast you get there, but it's getting there that really counts in the end.
pakemuumama
03-06-2005, 03:50 AM
Rheanna-
I just wanted to make sure you understand that I only mean that the diet has cleared up the general fog/spaciness in my physical person that I have had as far back as I can remember. It did not clear up the fog that comes from spending too much time on the computer, letting my mind get into a passive unfocused state. I differentiate between the two, and what has helped for the latter over a long period of practice has been meditation and experiments with and practice in awareness.
I wish to make a further distinction between the foginess/spaciness and the confusion/lateness/forgetfulness arising from disorganization. This is a yet entirely separate and different thing.
What I have found that helps here is the Julia Morgenstern approach (her book is 'Organizing From the Inside Out') of first completely disassembling and reorganizing your space and weeding yourself of what is not needed, and relentlessly following a program of keeping things organized. I had a freind come over to my place on three occasions to help me approach this, and then even made a physical move to a new apartment, giving me the opportunity to further weed out my stuff and organize into a completely new space. I keep on top of the organizing every day, and it has REALLY helped. I no longer have to waste energy on procrastination (for the most part--some tasks still hang me up a bit like paying bills and my design work. I am working on finding solutions for those), and my mind is clear because I don't have to be reminded of unfinished tasks, misplaced items, etc. Keeping a schedule and a daily list with prioritizations helps further, with alterations to these made for the visual mind, like color coding and the whole month on one page, etc. Therefore I can actually do something, anything, rather than sit and stew in my own juices and waste yet more energy and fog out. (Morgenstern's other book, 'Time Management from the Inside Out' has some great suggestions for this, too.)
It took a lot of experimentation and effort to find out what works for me, and I am still working on some aspects, but it was so worth it, and sure beats having to take speed!
I just wanted to make sure you understand that I only mean that the diet has cleared up the general fog/spaciness in my physical person that I have had as far back as I can remember. It did not clear up the fog that comes from spending too much time on the computer, letting my mind get into a passive unfocused state. I differentiate between the two, and what has helped for the latter over a long period of practice has been meditation and experiments with and practice in awareness.
I wish to make a further distinction between the foginess/spaciness and the confusion/lateness/forgetfulness arising from disorganization. This is a yet entirely separate and different thing.
What I have found that helps here is the Julia Morgenstern approach (her book is 'Organizing From the Inside Out') of first completely disassembling and reorganizing your space and weeding yourself of what is not needed, and relentlessly following a program of keeping things organized. I had a freind come over to my place on three occasions to help me approach this, and then even made a physical move to a new apartment, giving me the opportunity to further weed out my stuff and organize into a completely new space. I keep on top of the organizing every day, and it has REALLY helped. I no longer have to waste energy on procrastination (for the most part--some tasks still hang me up a bit like paying bills and my design work. I am working on finding solutions for those), and my mind is clear because I don't have to be reminded of unfinished tasks, misplaced items, etc. Keeping a schedule and a daily list with prioritizations helps further, with alterations to these made for the visual mind, like color coding and the whole month on one page, etc. Therefore I can actually do something, anything, rather than sit and stew in my own juices and waste yet more energy and fog out. (Morgenstern's other book, 'Time Management from the Inside Out' has some great suggestions for this, too.)
It took a lot of experimentation and effort to find out what works for me, and I am still working on some aspects, but it was so worth it, and sure beats having to take speed!
rheanna
03-06-2005, 02:57 PM
Rheanna-
I just wanted to make sure you understand that I only mean that the diet has cleared up the general fog/spaciness in my physical person that I have had as far back as I can remember. It did not clear up the fog that comes from spending too much time on the computer, letting my mind get into a passive unfocused state. I differentiate between the two, and what has helped for the latter over a long period of practice has been meditation and experiments with and practice in awareness.
I wish to make a further distinction between the foginess/spaciness and the confusion/lateness/forgetfulness arising from disorganization. This is a yet entirely separate and different thing.
What I have found that helps here is the Julia Morgenstern approach (her book is 'Organizing From the Inside Out') of first completely disassembling and reorganizing your space and weeding yourself of what is not needed, and relentlessly following a program of keeping things organized. I had a freind come over to my place on three occasions to help me approach this, and then even made a physical move to a new apartment, giving me the opportunity to further weed out my stuff and organize into a completely new space. I keep on top of the organizing every day, and it has REALLY helped. I no longer have to waste energy on procrastination (for the most part--some tasks still hang me up a bit like paying bills and my design work. I am working on finding solutions for those), and my mind is clear because I don't have to be reminded of unfinished tasks, misplaced items, etc. Keeping a schedule and a daily list with prioritizations helps further, with alterations to these made for the visual mind, like color coding and the whole month on one page, etc. Therefore I can actually do something, anything, rather than sit and stew in my own juices and waste yet more energy and fog out. (Morgenstern's other book, 'Time Management from the Inside Out' has some great suggestions for this, too.)
It took a lot of experimentation and effort to find out what works for me, and I am still working on some aspects, but it was so worth it, and sure beats having to take speed!
Katie,
I can appreciate that the first step in trying to bring some order into one's life is to differentiate among various types of brain fog. Different causes would respond to different methods. I'll think about how that applies to me over the next few days.
As for bringing order out of chaos in the physical space, I've got (relative) order in some areas but not in others. My kitchen may often look like a mess, but i've got places for things so I CAN clean up when I get tired of looking at it. When we moved to this apartment, we had to put in our own kitchen, so I thought carefully about what I would need. My husband said we may as well bite the bullet and pay for a decent one, because he was tired of listening to me complain about ALL the crappy rental kitchens I've ever had to work in! :rolleyes:
My primary chaos at the moment is my art studio. I like your idea of asking someone who's not emotionally involved to come in and help to organize. It overwhelms me and makes me catatonic to think about going in there to paint -- but that's really what I want to do. I'll look into Julia Morgenstern's books and think about who might be able to help. I have seen ads here for folks who do that for a living. It may come to that!
Thanks for the ideas. This ain't gonna change overnight!
--Rheanna
I just wanted to make sure you understand that I only mean that the diet has cleared up the general fog/spaciness in my physical person that I have had as far back as I can remember. It did not clear up the fog that comes from spending too much time on the computer, letting my mind get into a passive unfocused state. I differentiate between the two, and what has helped for the latter over a long period of practice has been meditation and experiments with and practice in awareness.
I wish to make a further distinction between the foginess/spaciness and the confusion/lateness/forgetfulness arising from disorganization. This is a yet entirely separate and different thing.
What I have found that helps here is the Julia Morgenstern approach (her book is 'Organizing From the Inside Out') of first completely disassembling and reorganizing your space and weeding yourself of what is not needed, and relentlessly following a program of keeping things organized. I had a freind come over to my place on three occasions to help me approach this, and then even made a physical move to a new apartment, giving me the opportunity to further weed out my stuff and organize into a completely new space. I keep on top of the organizing every day, and it has REALLY helped. I no longer have to waste energy on procrastination (for the most part--some tasks still hang me up a bit like paying bills and my design work. I am working on finding solutions for those), and my mind is clear because I don't have to be reminded of unfinished tasks, misplaced items, etc. Keeping a schedule and a daily list with prioritizations helps further, with alterations to these made for the visual mind, like color coding and the whole month on one page, etc. Therefore I can actually do something, anything, rather than sit and stew in my own juices and waste yet more energy and fog out. (Morgenstern's other book, 'Time Management from the Inside Out' has some great suggestions for this, too.)
It took a lot of experimentation and effort to find out what works for me, and I am still working on some aspects, but it was so worth it, and sure beats having to take speed!
Katie,
I can appreciate that the first step in trying to bring some order into one's life is to differentiate among various types of brain fog. Different causes would respond to different methods. I'll think about how that applies to me over the next few days.
As for bringing order out of chaos in the physical space, I've got (relative) order in some areas but not in others. My kitchen may often look like a mess, but i've got places for things so I CAN clean up when I get tired of looking at it. When we moved to this apartment, we had to put in our own kitchen, so I thought carefully about what I would need. My husband said we may as well bite the bullet and pay for a decent one, because he was tired of listening to me complain about ALL the crappy rental kitchens I've ever had to work in! :rolleyes:
My primary chaos at the moment is my art studio. I like your idea of asking someone who's not emotionally involved to come in and help to organize. It overwhelms me and makes me catatonic to think about going in there to paint -- but that's really what I want to do. I'll look into Julia Morgenstern's books and think about who might be able to help. I have seen ads here for folks who do that for a living. It may come to that!
Thanks for the ideas. This ain't gonna change overnight!
--Rheanna
Jennita
03-06-2005, 03:00 PM
Hey, index, I must also say I'm sorry if I come on too strong in these and other posts we've been in. I will admit, going thru protracted benzo withdrawal left me with alot of anger.
Then when I became interested in reading about other classes of psychoactive drugs, I got even more angry when discovering all the side effects and also personal stories out there. One time I read about a girl who started out with mild depression and by the time doctors got done with her, she was in a wheelchair due to Tardive Dyskinesia from the meds they eventually had to give her when her tolerance worsened. It was so sad to hear of a young girl becoming a cripple like that over something that could have been prevented and found myself crying for her loss. Of course, that just ended up making me even more angry.
My husband fears someday we'll befriend or meet someone in the psychiatric business and I'll just go postal on him. Well, comeon, I still have some restraint left I hope. Besides, I know there are good people in every profession. So I reassure my husband I won't embarrass him someday in public if that ever happens.
Guess I need to get a grip on that anger thing or perhaps nobody will listen to me, eh? I'm telling you though, its not easy.....my life was almost ruined and I am of Italian/Irish decent, so maybe that's why I hold a grudge??? :confused:
Then when I became interested in reading about other classes of psychoactive drugs, I got even more angry when discovering all the side effects and also personal stories out there. One time I read about a girl who started out with mild depression and by the time doctors got done with her, she was in a wheelchair due to Tardive Dyskinesia from the meds they eventually had to give her when her tolerance worsened. It was so sad to hear of a young girl becoming a cripple like that over something that could have been prevented and found myself crying for her loss. Of course, that just ended up making me even more angry.
My husband fears someday we'll befriend or meet someone in the psychiatric business and I'll just go postal on him. Well, comeon, I still have some restraint left I hope. Besides, I know there are good people in every profession. So I reassure my husband I won't embarrass him someday in public if that ever happens.
Guess I need to get a grip on that anger thing or perhaps nobody will listen to me, eh? I'm telling you though, its not easy.....my life was almost ruined and I am of Italian/Irish decent, so maybe that's why I hold a grudge??? :confused:
Zenfish
03-06-2005, 07:07 PM
I'm a 200 lb guy with ADD, 46 years old. Even the mild amount of caffeine in tea fogs up my brain. Makes me confused and depressed. It constricts the capilliaries, and a good 30% of a person's blood flow and oxygen is needed for the brain. My ADD is caused by inactivity of the cerebral cortex, the control center. Cut oxygen off to that and my inactivity gets worse. Caffeine for me is real bad.
Blue102
03-07-2005, 02:09 AM
Blue, my brain fog went away COMPLETELY when I found out that I was allergic to gluten (contained in wheat, oats, barley and rye) and cut it out of my diet, along with sugar. Katie
Thanks for the suggestion--I've read some stuff about that on here, and I'm curious. Some day I'll experiment with that. Seems like the diet would take some planning though.
Random comment, loosely related to thread: 12:00 a.m. Monday, Blue had a cup of coffee on top of her Adderall before bed, up and surfing the net. :eek:
Thanks for the suggestion--I've read some stuff about that on here, and I'm curious. Some day I'll experiment with that. Seems like the diet would take some planning though.
Random comment, loosely related to thread: 12:00 a.m. Monday, Blue had a cup of coffee on top of her Adderall before bed, up and surfing the net. :eek:
Zenfish
03-08-2005, 05:55 AM
Pakemumama,
I too have wheat gluten intolerance, and 43 years of the exposure got me deep into ADD. I'm much better off having discovered that this is my ailment, and having gone on complete gluten-free diet. ADD is just one of a couple dozen symptoms I've had over the years. To anyone wondering, check out celiac disease websites and see how many symptoms you have.
I too have wheat gluten intolerance, and 43 years of the exposure got me deep into ADD. I'm much better off having discovered that this is my ailment, and having gone on complete gluten-free diet. ADD is just one of a couple dozen symptoms I've had over the years. To anyone wondering, check out celiac disease websites and see how many symptoms you have.
goddessgrl65
03-12-2005, 10:22 AM
Hi-
Ive been selfmedicating add-w/ caffiene-w/o coffee-im am totally non-functioning..cant form a sentance..straight from bed to coffee maker and then its one cup after another till 4/5 in the afternoon-.I am interested in starting low doses of stimulant meds(adderall)-5/10 mgs.
I did take adderall for about 6 months..5 years ago-and i really pulled my life together..started my own business/more social-organised.
Has anyone used low dose adderall for a period of time-w/o having to increase dosage?
Im concerned about addiction to the med.
thanks..ggrl
Ive been selfmedicating add-w/ caffiene-w/o coffee-im am totally non-functioning..cant form a sentance..straight from bed to coffee maker and then its one cup after another till 4/5 in the afternoon-.I am interested in starting low doses of stimulant meds(adderall)-5/10 mgs.
I did take adderall for about 6 months..5 years ago-and i really pulled my life together..started my own business/more social-organised.
Has anyone used low dose adderall for a period of time-w/o having to increase dosage?
Im concerned about addiction to the med.
thanks..ggrl
SnappDragon
03-23-2005, 02:27 AM
I am addicted to Caffine and go through withdrawels if I don't have any. Caffine like in Candy and Soft drinks I have to have. If I don't and go a day without I get a horrible headache and I shake. My ADD doesn't need Caffine but I haven't found a way to stop Caffine and be okay. I am sure I would be better off without Caffine and my ADD and OCD would be better too.
Jennita
03-23-2005, 02:05 PM
Wow, some of you guys drink alot of caffeine. The way I have it, I can feel nothing if I skip a day, no withdrawal of any sort.
Moderation is key with everything, so slow down on the gallons of coffee here....would you overdo or abuse Adderall or Ritalin? Of course not, so think of caffeine the same way, even if it is less potent.
Respect it as a drug; I know that's hard because it is freely available, easy to get and has no restrictions, but too much is too much!
Just a word of caution from me, IMHO.
Moderation is key with everything, so slow down on the gallons of coffee here....would you overdo or abuse Adderall or Ritalin? Of course not, so think of caffeine the same way, even if it is less potent.
Respect it as a drug; I know that's hard because it is freely available, easy to get and has no restrictions, but too much is too much!
Just a word of caution from me, IMHO.
PrincessBride22
03-23-2005, 05:58 PM
If you are on medication like concerta, isn't it bad to drink caffeine? I dont know I'm just guessing. I drink it sometimes and its hard for my body with both concerta and caffeine. Do you all think I should avoid caffeine since I'm taking concerta? what is all of your advice on it?
Jennita
03-23-2005, 07:31 PM
If you are on medication like concerta, isn't it bad to drink caffeine? I dont know I'm just guessing. I drink it sometimes and its hard for my body with both concerta and caffeine. Do you all think I should avoid caffeine since I'm taking concerta? what is all of your advice on it?
Well, they are both stimulants; stimulants tend to cause some hardship on the kidneys and liver, vasocontriction, rise in blood pressure, insomnia, etc. etc. ... so maybe it would be too much to use both. Probably best to just pick one.
Well, they are both stimulants; stimulants tend to cause some hardship on the kidneys and liver, vasocontriction, rise in blood pressure, insomnia, etc. etc. ... so maybe it would be too much to use both. Probably best to just pick one.
PrincessBride22
03-24-2005, 04:53 PM
Thanks for responding Jennita! I'll make sure and avoid caffeine for the most part although occasionally I'll have maybe Dr. Pepper or something but that will be very rare. But darn it, I love Dr Pepper so this will be tough lol. But, I'd rather take my medication to help me with ADD than drink caffeine so this is the best choice. I think I should stay away from Mtn Dew though because it is one of the sodas that has the most caffeine I believe and I drank that a few days ago and had medication and didnt feel very good at all at work so will not do that again. :)
Jennita
03-25-2005, 04:05 AM
Thanks for responding Jennita! I'll make sure and avoid caffeine for the most part although occasionally I'll have maybe Dr. Pepper or something but that will be very rare. But darn it, I love Dr Pepper so this will be tough lol. But, I'd rather take my medication to help me with ADD than drink caffeine so this is the best choice. I think I should stay away from Mtn Dew though because it is one of the sodas that has the most caffeine I believe and I drank that a few days ago and had medication and didnt feel very good at all at work so will not do that again. :)
Do you like coca-cola? They make it in caffeine-free now :)
Do you like coca-cola? They make it in caffeine-free now :)