I was just wondering if anyone uses Vivarian? If so do you feel it works to help with your ADD/ADHD? I have untreated ADHD, been untreated for a very long time since I have no insurance and I struggle daily with this disorder. I've never heard of Vivarin and just picked up some the other night when I noticed it at the store and so far it's really helping giving me that "pick me up feeling" during the day when I feel the most drowsy and unfocused on everything. I've noticed a difference in myself already around the time of day I seem to have the most difficult. I've only been taking one pill a day so far, but it says you can take one pill every 3-4 hours. I also have a cup of coffee with it too, I think it's equal to one cup of coffee so I don't want to overdue my coffee consumption with it. So far so good though. :)

I haven't heard of it but i'm interested! Is it a herbal suplement or a caffine thing? I'm trying energy drinks at the mo, because i'm on a waiting list to get meds. Waiting, waiting. . . . All the energy drinks seem to do is make my heart beat too fast though!

I haven't heard of it but i'm interested! Is it a herbal suplement or a caffine thing? I'm trying energy drinks at the mo, because i'm on a waiting list to get meds. Waiting, waiting. . . . All the energy drinks seem to do is make my heart beat too fast though!


No, it's not an herbal supplement. It's just one pill that contains 200mg of caffeine, and you can find it over the counter at probably any drugstore. It's really helping me so far.

IMHO, I think it's a bad idea. I'm sure that it helps, but I would consider myself an ex-caffeine-addict (2,000+mg per day), and it's definitely something that I never wish to go back to. The withdrawal effects are horrible, and the other side effects can be an issue, especially if it leads to sleep deprivation over time (it might not be obvious right away, and it might seem to help sleep, but it might have a negative effect on sleep quality, and may gradually cause sleep problems in the future).

Not that I think that everyone should quit caffeine, as I still even use it myself to a certain degree, but it's something that probably should be used sparingly, in my opinion (though I think some research indicates that low, consistent amounts are the most helpful with the least severity of withdrawal and side effects).

I have tried Vivarin and it made my heart race. I try to saty away from alot of caffeine pills myself, personally, but if it works and you are not over doing it on caffeine in other area's (like drinking a lot of coffee or energy drinks also) it should be ok, short term. Too bad you are not able to get meds at this time, but you are probably better off! I am not 100% sure of the safety of stimluants meds long term. I know alot of people are saying it is safe, but maybe for them,not for me and my body! I want to be stimulant free before I turn 45! I can't see my self taking these meds at 50! Just me! Someone else maybe be greatly helped and really need these meds and maybe they greatly benefit them, so that is good for them. We all have our personal beliefs. Maybe you could also cut the pill in 1/2 if you drink coffee also that day, so you don't get too much caffeine? Just a thought!

wintergirl - I am in my 50s and have taken Vivarin daily for close to 30 years. I have taken the same amount daily for the last 20+ years. I take two 200 mg pills upon waking and that's it. I was diagnosed ADD recently and I believe caffeine is beneficial for about 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Then you are probably worse off than if you haven't had any. Of course, everyone is different. It gets me jump started in the AM and after 30 years, there is no way I am going to stop. No trouble sleeping at night obviously as I never take caffeine during the day. Correction - I take the Wal Mart brand of Vivarin (Equate brand) as it is much cheaper and just the same.