How Caffeine Affects ADHD

Caffeine is a stimulant, and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often take stimulants to manage symptoms. You may perhaps wonder if you can use caffeine for ADHD. In many cases, caffeine can benefit people with ADHD, but you should talk to your healthcare provider about how much is right for you.

Caffeine has similar effects on the brain as ADHD medications, so, depending on the dosage, it could help improve focus. However, too much caffeine—or caffeine in combination with ADHD meds—could lead to side effects, particularly in children. People can react to caffeine in very individual ways, too.

Read on to learn more about the relationship between caffeine and ADHD, including the associated risks and benefits.

Benefits of Caffeine for ADHD

Caffeine is known to stimulate the nervous system and brain and may have similar effects as ADHD medications.

Reduced Blood Flow

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor (constricts the blood vessels which reduces blood flow). Researchers have suggested that it could thus reduce blood flow in areas of the brain that are overactive in ADHD. 

The effect of caffeine is similar to how the ADHD medicine Adderall (a type of amphetamine) works. ADHD medicines are known to target the central nervous system to improve concentration. When caffeine is consumed, it can have a similar effect by increasing dopamine production and blocking adenosine, which relaxes blood vessels.1

However, caffeine is not recommended instead of prescription ADHD medications. At most, it might be considered for use in combination with medication.2

Improved Concentration and Memory

Studies have shown that caffeine increases dopamine production when it enters the body.3 Dopamine, a neurochemical in the brain, controls your ability to concentrate and focus. As mentioned previously, ADHD medications increase dopamine production too.

In a study of U.S. soldiers with ADHD, consumption of caffeine was associated with better focus on repetitive tasks and lower impulsive or risky behaviors.4

Consuming caffeine could help increase focus in the short term, but it may also cause adverse effects, such as difficulties resting or sleeping at night. This depends on how much caffeine is consumed, when during the day it's used, and the individual's age.5

Reduced Hyperactivity

A study from two decades ago looked at the effects of caffeine on children with ADHD. Researchers found caffeine reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved planning and executive function, which involves time management, organization, and prioritization skills.6

However, a recent review of seven clinical trials concluded caffeine was no better than a placebo in improving ADHD symptoms in children.7

Risks of Too Much Caffeine With ADHD

The general risks of excessive caffeine consumption include:8

• Insomnia (sleep difficulties)
• Feeling jittery
• Feeling anxious
• Fast heart rate
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dysphoria (a feeling of unhappiness)

There is also concern about caffeine's effects on children. Because children are smaller in body size, it takes less caffeine to impact their functioning.9

Research has shown that caffeine in soft drinks can produce mood and behavioral effects in children.1 Too much caffeine can also cause issues such as increased anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, acid reflux, and sleep disturbance.9 

It is important to contact a healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns about your or your child's medication and caffeine consumption. Be mindful of the dose of medication, as well as how much caffeine you are consuming to avoid any negative side effects.

A healthcare provider can also help you determine the proper intake of caffeine. For children, their diet, medication, and caffeine consumption should be discussed with a medical professional. A healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action to ensure the child's ADHD is being treated effectively.

Caffeine and ADHD Medication

Common stimulant medications for ADHD include the following: 

• Adderall (amphetamine)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)

If an individual consumes caffeine along with this medication, it will produce a synergistic effect—an enhanced effect from taking two drugs with similar outcomes together (in this case an ADHD drug and caffeine).

Both caffeine and prescription medication have addictive components, which can increase focus and risk for side effects. The amount of caffeine will determine whether it will help or hurt. Side effects include the following:10

• Rapid heart rate
• Frequent urination
• Digestive issues
• Anxiety     
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure

Sources of Caffeine

Caffeine is found mostly in beverages, but other sources can provide a significant amount of caffeine also:11

• Coffee: One cup (8 ounces) of brewed coffee contains about 95 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. The same amount of instant coffee contains about 60 mg of caffeine, and decaffeinated coffee contains about 4 mg of caffeine.
• Espresso: One shot (1.5 ounces) contains about 65 mg of caffeine.
• Tea: One cup of black tea contains about 47 mg of caffeine. Green tea contains about 28 mg of caffeine, decaffeinated tea contains 2 mg of caffeine, and herbal tea contains none.
• Soda: A 12-ounce can of regular or diet dark cola contains about 40 mg of caffeine. The same amount of Mountain Dew contains 55 mg of caffeine.
• Chocolate (cacao): One ounce of dark chocolate contains about 24 mg of caffeine, whereas milk chocolate contains about 6 mg of caffeine.
• Guarana: This seed from a South American plant is processed as an extract in foods, energy drinks, and energy supplements. Guarana seeds contain about four times the amount of caffeine as that found in coffee beans.12 Some drinks containing extracts of these seeds can contain up to 125 mg of caffeine per serving.
• Energy drinks: Eight ounces of an energy drink contains about 85 mg of caffeine. However, the standard energy drink serving size is 16 ounces, which doubles the caffeine to 170 mg. Energy shots are much more concentrated than drinks—a 2-ounce shot contains about 200 mg of caffeine.
• Supplements: Caffeine supplements contain about 200 mg per tablet or the amount in two cups of brewed coffee.

Be cautious about consuming excessive coffee, as well as energy drinks, and products containing guarana. It may be best to primarily consume teas and decaffeinated coffee since they contain significantly less caffeine. Also, be aware of combining several different caffeinated beverages since the combined amount of caffeine can add up quickly.

Alternatives

In addition to treating ADHD with medications and possibly caffeine (if approved by your healthcare provider), other strategies may also help manage ADHD, such as:

• Therapy: This includes counseling or ADHD coaching.
• Regular exercise: Research shows a single session of exercise could lead to immediate improvements in symptoms of ADHD and brain function.13
• Getting enough sleep: Setting up a consistent sleep routine and healthy sleep environment may improve the total amount of sleep and quality of sleep.14
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet: Choose mostly fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, while avoiding fast food, greasy foods, and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks.

 Summary

Caffeine is a natural substance that may impact ADHD symptoms and medication. For this reason, it's important to monitor your caffeine intake to see how it affects you. Caffeine is known for its stimulating effects, which can appeal to those who are diagnosed with ADHD, but these effects tend to be short-lived. To find the right treatment for your ADHD, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best way to manage the condition.