caffeine pills?

[bryne]

Hi everyone!

I know that caffeine is a big NO in the world of IC and I've eliminated all of it. That said, I'm totally useless when I have 7 AM meetings. Is it caffeine itself that is so harmful to our bladders or is it the combination with the other elements (or ingredients or whatever) that causes the frequency and urgency? I'd like to know if taking a caffeine pill on occasion will bring about the same IC-related problems that coffee, tea and chocolate do.

Thanks!

Beth

[Goldfinch]

Many here seem to tolerate low acid coffees; are all of them decaf? I assume a caffeine pill wouldn't pack the acid that can be so irritating to our bladders. I no longer use coffee or black or green tea, but I do okay with modest amounts of dark chocolate, which does have some caffeine in it. I don't miss the caffeine nearly as much as I miss the flavor of really strong fresh-brewed coffee. I stop just short of NEVER, by taking a sip or two of my husband's coffee once in a while, and that is pretty satisfying if I make the most of each sip and appreciate it deeply.

Interesting question, I'll be looking forward to your experiment!

[bryne]

I miss the flavor too! I love coffee ice cream and the whole "ritual" around a morning cup of coffee, or afternoon coffee with friends. I usually had 1 cup in the morning and when I was in grad school I sometimes had a second in the afternoon. I also miss the social aspect around coffee and tea.

All of that aside, there are times when I feel I need something just to help me function. I had an early morning meeting today and I don't feel like I ever woke up. For my job I have to be in front of a group of people at 6:30 AM every Saturday morning and I watch as people slowly wake up as they drink their caffeinated beverage of choice. Mostly I get along ok, but there are times when my brain is just too fuzzy.

[dyno]

I honestly don't know on this because I just don't go anywhere near caffiene in anything. I would be very hesitant and if you are going to try it, do it on a day that you don't have to go anywhere in case you flare.

Personally, I would find another way to wake myself up, it would not be worth the risk.

[bryne]

I know, I've been too afraid as well. I've been at this for almost 6 months and I can't seem to find a solution.

[Fishette]

I say BAD idea! There was a time when I was having really bad headaches and I went to the doctor (who was a moron BTW) who told me to get some Excedrine Migraine and take 3 pills and that would get rid of it. I had just started seeing this doctor for about a month or two and my IC symptoms where pretty much non-existant... but taking those 3 pills had me literally on the floor screaming for someone to kill me. It was the worse flare I've ever had in my life. I didn't know when I took them that Excedrine Migraine has a lot of caffiene per pill. Each pill can equal the same caffiene as a cup of coffee... and I've not had any problems with the other ingredients in the pills.

[LithEruiel]

I'd say it's not a good idea. Excedrin Migraine has made me flare also (though the pain medication in it by itself does not). I feel for you though. I have a lot of fatigue due to just IC itself - so adding getting up early, the stress of work, etc...yeah, it's tough. I've never been a coffee drinker (even before I had IC) and everyone at school is always like COFFEE!!!! in the morning and I'm drinking my big Evian...a lot of people think it's odd I don't drink coffee.

I wish I could think of a suggestion to help you wake up! Hopefully someone can help us out.

[nottoc4]

I love the taste of coffee and I am so happy I can drink decaf.I buy some flavored decaf to mix with my regular decaf and it is yummy. I do not miss the caffiene.

[pennstate71]

I know this completely depends on the person, but my bladder seems to be more irritated by dark syrup in sodas than the caffiene, so if I take 2 prelief and have some Mountain Dew - I'm good to go AND doesn't cause pain for me (don't mind the fact that its bad for my ulcer..oops) but sometimes I'm too exhausted to go without some kind of boost!

Same but different subject - Does anyone here know if any of the B-Vitamins (the ones that help with energy) cause bladder irritation?

[kadi]

Yes, b-vitamins can trigger IC symptoms...

[LithEruiel]

I really hate that vitamins bother us...you need vitamins...I mean you're supposed to get them from food, not supplements, but still...

[pennstate71]

Thanks Kadi - I completely stopped my multivitmin (for obvious reasons) but had b-12 and b-6 and was thinking about taking them again for the energy boost but thought that was the case. Anywho, thanks for verifying :)

[orchid53]

Caffeine gives me urgency like nothing else. But I stopped drinking caffeine before I was started to have issues with IC.

[ICNDonna]

I can have one cup of low acid coffee in the morning. The first one I tried was Kava, which you can find with the instant coffee in most stores. The caffeine doesn't seem to bother me, but that one cup is all I ever have.

If you decide to try a caffeine, I suggest you try a very small amount at first. I would be afraid to try a caffeine pill.

Donna

[andiejean66]

I am not a coffee drinker, lucky for me I guess...BUT, I take fiorinal for migraines and I know they have caffeine in them. I have had up to 4, 1/2 grain fiorinal capsuls in a day, and so far no problems with a flare. Really couldn't tell you how much caffeine one pill contains though...?

[Julie B]

Hi all. Seems like you already gave/got good advice. Just wanted to add this to the thread:

http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm

It is a chart of various beverages and products that have caffeine in them. I use this a lot with my patients. It is eye-opening!

[nottoc4]

That was interesting about the caffeine.Thanks for posting it.
Decaf coffee does not bother me,but I mostly only have one cup a day,and thankfull I can do that much.

[LithEruiel]

You know, caffeine is a diuretic and can increase frequency/urgency even in people that don't have IC...so be careful :)

[nottoc4]

And it did when I was drinking caffinated coffee. I was a BIG coffee drinker until I was diagnosed with OAB. Once I had that diagnosis I switched to half caff and only drank 2 cups a day. It did help my night time trips to the potty so when the night trips jumped to 3 and 4 times a night I got referred to a Urologist. He was worthless to me,just kept changing my OAB meds,The pain was getting bad and I was sure I had a dropped bladder so I referred myself to a Local women's Clinic and got seen by a UroGyn.The rest is history. I got the proper diagnosis and am being treated by my UroGyn.