In early 2023, TikToker Dr. Alex George created a video discussing the effects of caffeine on people with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Welsh physician claimed that drinking caffeine with ADHD “is a good idea” because it stimulates certain parts of the brain, counteracting the typical energizing effects by promoting a calming effect instead.
The video gained more than 2.5 million views, which sparked discussion among viewers in the comments section. Many shared their personal experiences with caffeine and ADHD. While some in the comment section agreed with George’s claims and noted that caffeine helped them feel more focused and calm, others remained skeptical.
A 2023 study found that in 2015 and 2019, the health-care systems worldwide prescribed ADHD medication at an average increase of 9.72 per cent each year.
In Canada, methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, was the most commonly used stimulant medication in 2019.
Finding the balance between stimulants and caffeine
According to Edmonton psychiatrist Dr. Krista Leicht, Ritalin and other ADHD medications are long-acting stimulants designed to target brain activity in a specific way.
On the other hand, caffeine can vary from person to person.
“Some people with ADHD do find that caffeine has a paradoxical effect, meaning it helps them focus and calm their mind, similar to how stimulant medications work,” Leicht said in an interview with the Calgary Journal. “It’s about half and half—some get that paradoxical, calming effect, while others just feel jittery.”
Leicht says that the lack of conversation and relevance regarding caffeine makes it harder to measure.
This unpredictability makes caffeine a less reliable treatment for ADHD compared to prescription stimulants.
“With medication, we use a process called titration—gradually increasing the dose until we find the right amount that works for that person,” said Leicht. “Caffeine doesn’t work that way. Most people drink it in coffee or energy drinks, and it’s hard to track exactly how much is too much.”
George’s claim aligns with Leicht’s suggestion that caffeine is similar to Ritalin because it increases “levels of dopamine in the brain,” lessening the constant need to search for the missing dopamine.
“Caffeine, at a very lower level than Ritalin, works in a very similar way, so it stimulates a similar part of the brain… for some people—not everyone,” George said.
One Calgary student’s experience with caffeine
University of Calgary Student Zara Blanchette says that ever since she stopped taking Ritalin for her ADHD, caffeine became a part of her daily routine.
Due to Blanchette’s medical insurance and financial circumstances, she decided to find a “natural” and “drug-free” substitute to save some money.
“Caffeine is my go-to for now for focus and energy…but it’s not perfect, and it doesn’t always work the same way,” she said.
While Blanchette found some relief through caffeine, these inconsistencies remain a practical solution given her situation.
“If I could, I would go back to taking medication,” Blanchette added. “Caffeine does work, but I want to look into other alternatives instead of fueling this awful caffeine addiction.”
Alternatives to ADHD stimulants
Leicht acknowledges how some individuals with ADHD might find their balance through drug-free alternatives such as Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT).
Edmonton’s Neuromed Clinic is currently the only facility in Canada that offers MeRT. This new and advanced brain-mapping treatment uses magnetic pulses to influence brain activity, examine brain wave activity, and identify and normalize abnormalities.
Although MeRT is a limited option in Canada, Leicht hopes to end the stigma around neurological disorders by making more alternative resources available to all Canadians.
With these alternative advancements in treatments such as MeRT, those with ADHD continue to search for different ways to manage their symptoms.
The lack of evidence for caffeine
While some people with ADHD herald the benefits of caffeine, others say otherwise. Experts like Leicht caution that it is not a reliable or universal treatment.
“If you’re considering [caffeine], make sure you don’t change anything else in your routine. That way, you can understand whether it’s helping you or not,” said Leicht.
Despite the online belief that caffeine can help manage ADHD symptoms, scientific research remains inconclusive.
Leicht highlights that the lack of medical research and controlled studies makes caffeine an unreliable and inconsistent treatment compared to stimulant medications.
Although George’s claim that caffeine works similarly to Ritalin has some scientific basis in how stimulants impact dopamine levels, experts say it is misleading because it lacks strong medical evidence and remains anecdotal.
The Calgary Journal asked George to comment on this fact-check. We didn’t hear back.
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