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submitted 1 day ago by AddLemmus@lemmy.ml to c/adhd@lemmy.world

Over the decades, I keep switching between caffeine times and caffeine-free times.

It's like this:

  • need an extra boost for morning or afternoon, and it is really important
  • it becomes a regular thing again, at least 1xmorning, 1xafternoon
  • ups and downs are too strong, switching to guarana
  • it works, even boost now
  • It turns into madness, e. g. not enough sleep, and it prevents me from napping, or even night sleep is not good anymore. Also, completely dysfunctional in the morning.
  • optionally increase up to double dose
  • unpleasant withdrawal
  • back to start after a month, year or two years

Right now, I'm on day 3 or 4 of a very unpleasant withdrawal again. Headaches, poor sleep quality, muscle and joint pain. Also, the Elvanse boost is really diminished, a lot. Tragically, in terms of productivity and mood, it worked really well with caffeine, just too much madness.

Do you think just staying off for good is the way to go?

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[-] CallMeAl@piefed.world 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I've gone back and forth. I'm doing well sticking to 2 rules. No more than 2 normal caffeinated drinks per day and never after 2pm.

Edit: and I drink 2-3 cups of decaff coffee per day but there is no limit on that.

[-] alternategait@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

I've never heard this, but it is pretty much where I've landed (though I will sneak a third in on farmers market days because one of the stall has the good coffee, but it's later than I want to have my second dose).

[-] alternategait@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Love when a parenthetical is longer than the original sentence.

[-] weg@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 day ago

FYI there is still a wee bit of caffeine, and there are other rando stimulant chemicals in decaf btw

[-] CallMeAl@piefed.world 3 points 1 day ago

Yes, I shouldn't say 'no limit' but a sensible limit is fine.

this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2026
29 points (100.0% liked)

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