joshuagor44 said:
I've been procrastinating more than ever this semester. When I finally get myself to sit down and work, I fall asleep from boredom. I've been trying to get my hands on adderall, but I don't see that happening any time soon. So I figure I'll give caffeine pills a shot. I never drink coffee so I've never had high amounts of caffeine before.
What's some important info I should know about them? If you have experience with them, please let me know how they work for you.
Thanks!
Caffeine has about a 6 hour half life. It works by blocking adenosine, which is used in part to regulate fatigue/sleep. So if you do take it, take it at least 6 hours before bed.
Caffeine dependence builds very quickly because the body will adapt by making more adenosine receptors within a couple of days.
It's not very good at increasing focus, only masking sleep deficits.
Without laws, you'd really be much better off with Ritalin if you HAD to take something. 3 hour half life, so you'd be able to sleep easier. It's reuptakes dopamine and norephendrine, neuro-transmitters used to regulate attention and concentration.
I recommend neither. If you have a genuine problem with concentrating, go see a doctor and try some ADD medications (ritalin/concerta, adderall, dex/vyvanse). In terms of health, ritalin/concerta is virtually harmless if taken correctly. But the others are based on amphetamines which have extremely long half-lives (10 hours), and jack up adrenalin/heart rate.
Energy drinks are total bullshit. If you want to take pseudo-science stuff over the counter, try buying some B vitamins, Green tea extract, ginseng, and ginkgo. The last two could interfere with meds. Go to a doctor.
