Re: Caffeine dosage used as ADD medication?

[Geoduck]

You don’t necessarily have to use a stimulant medication. There are several different ADD medications, and not all of them are stimulants.

For me, I found that coffee did great at eliminating the fog, which is probably why I drank a cup in the morning for years, but didn’t help me focus. Also, it seemed to backfire and make me more sleepy by lunch-time. When I was working, I’d do another cup in the afternoon, but again, it’s effect was very minimal. Still, I would have to struggle to focus on my reading, so I don’t see it helping you there. It actually made me more prone, not less, to making mistakes.

I’ve been taking adderall for a few weeks. It took quite a while for the adderall to work, and it just seems it’s working only on the fogginess, and the intense daydreaming episodes, so far. The fog was lifted, and I haven’t needed coffee, but the focus stuff is coming much slower, and I don’t think it would matter for you, if these tests are coming up now.

Some other things my doc suggested was getting sleep (hard for us adders) and a high protein diet. That and getting organized with a calendar and lists. That helps, because the more organized you are, the less cluttered your brain is, and the less distracted you are by the million things you are trying to keep track of mentally.

I agree with Game Guy. I’m thinking for test taking, you need to see your instructor or school and talk about what accommodations you need. If you were here in the US, this would be mandatory, even if the instructor was an idiot and didn’t believe in ADHD. You would be able to take your doctor’s note to him, or even to the Dean of his dept., and get things like longer test time, oral tests, help prepping for tests, etc.

Good luck! At least you have the diagnosis now. Hopefully things start looking up with your academic career. I struggled through college with my ADD, and definitely sympathize with your situation.

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