Does determined amts of caffeine calm an ADHD child?

[rachel1976]

i have a 11 yr old that is ADHD; he's a text book case. I had him medicated about five yrs ago and there were so many problems (not sleeping, loss of appetite and weight, heart racing, etc) that i decided something so problematic couldnt be a solution to another problem. i read in a medical journal that a truly ADHD child would respond differently from normal people when intaking caffeine-that it calms them. Although we dont normally drink caffeine or carbonated drinks, i am wondering if this could be something to help in calming this child and enable him be able to concentrate in school. ? if not do you have any other thoughts for me other then medication.

history:
tried focalin and adderall for one yr, 5 yrs ago
every teacher every yr calls with the same complaints
3 other siblings on home
otherwise healthy
looking for alternatives

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[Sandman2]

   I have heard that Omega 3 can do that.  What are you taking?

[champ_mom]

I know this post is years old, but I have a solution (nothing weird or dangerous) that may help with improving focus, for anyone interested. It's helped my 13 y/o tremendously!!! And he's not on medications. It also helps me--I'm on Adderall, but at a lower dose than I previously needed.

[insightadhd]

NO

[specialmom]

Hi there.  that is really useful information.  You hear of these crashes and your strategy sounds like a good thing for people to try.  Thanks for sharing.

[beckyhoho]

Have a 8 year old son on focalin xr 10mg  Ix daily. Great for 7-8 hours so we get through school. Also has dyslexia.  He crashes really hard about 4 in the evening, emotionally has melt downs. So I decided to just try 8ounces of regular caffeine tea as soon as I pick him up from school with only 10 mg of sugar in it. ( he has a low sugar intake)  It made all the diffence. It took the edge off  the medication crash. It is the only caffeine he gets daily. Sodas have so many other additivesand high in sugar.We do not wish to add on more meds. His sleeping routine has not been disturbed by this at all. We actually get through our homework without a melt down. So for now, it works.

[rachel1976]

i am not afraid of medication, i think it is not a substitute for a better, healthier alternative. everyone wants a quick fix, to pop a pill these days instead of looking for better means. in addition, as i mentioned, we did  have him on several medications within a year and he became tachacardic, lost weight, couldnt sleep and was basically emotionless. sure he wasnt hyper because he was a little zombie. that is now what i'm looking for.

[Captain_Rit]

i would recommend concerta.   great medicine right there.    also caffiene is a horrible and very eradic choice of medication, and i really dont believe it would help him concentrate how ever it may, but it would fall off too fast and how could you regulate a dose of it?     i dont recommend it.    but why are you so afraid of medication?