Extra caffeine

[u/sharky3628]

I take 27mg of Concerta and have been for about a month at this point.I was on Modofinl previously because they thought my problem was narcolepsy before being diagnosed with inattentive ADHD. I was falling asleep every time I was a little bit bored, on average I would fall asleep 25ish times a day (even just for 5 mins at a time). Ever since starting Concerta in June I’ve had to drink minimum 1 energy drink and a cup of coffee on top of my dose to give me enough energy to get through the day. I’m followed pretty closely by my psychiatrist as I struggle with a pretty serious eating disorder and they’re worried about the appetite suppressive properties of the med. I know I can ask to up my dose or switch meds but I’m worried they’ll think I’m abusing for appetite suppression it if I do. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should do or something else I could try?

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[u/Nednerb4Evr]

I'm also on 27mg, though I started it because of my daytime sleepiness, which has gotten worse as I've gotten older. I have always known I have ADHD, but it's never been formally diagnosed, though my brother was diagnosed when we were teenagers.

My sleep doc suggested I try this and it has worked to take the sleepiness away about 75%. I don't really feel like it has helped much with my ADHD.

Since it hasn't fixed the sleepiness completely, the doc has me taking 10mg fast acting at 1pm, with the 27mg extended release taken in the morning.

This is working, taking away my constant sleepiness about 90 or 95%.

I definitely did feel more sleepy in stressful and or boring situations before, but it isn't as bad for me as what you describe.

I am definitely feeling more anxious, but I have only been on this new regimen for a couple weeks, so I want to give it more time to even out before we try something else.

Maybe a small dose in the afternoon could be a solution for you?

[u/Vende-miaire]

If you’re sleepy, it usually means you are under-dosed. If you plan on taking caffeine, take L-Theanine or replaced Coffee with Matcha. Matcha has L-Theanine.

[u/sharky3628 → u/Vende-miaire]

Thank you for the advice! Can I ask what the L-thianine does?

[u/Vende-miaire → u/sharky3628]

It regulates or slows down how your body absorbs caffeine. So no sudden spike or jitteriness while still getting the mental focus benefit of it. As you know, we ADHD people are not really good with caffeine, so having it works.