[bioChE]

Recently I've added Taurine, Vitamin B complex, and Guarana as supplements. I picked this combo because it's most of the components of Monster energy drinks, which I love, but the price of them is just insane. The Guarana supplement also has caffeine, so it's basically like I'm taking a Monster in pill form....and it costs me about $0.25 instead of $3.00.

Taurine is supposed to be calming and affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Some people claim they've avoided taking prescription ADs by taking Taurine. I'm not about to quit my meds, but it is interesting.

Vitamin B is supposed to work on energy levels, and is a replacement for a diet low in B. It also makes your pee neon yellow.

Guarana is supposed to be "activating," but it's hard to tell if that's doing anything when there's a boatload of caffeine in the pill also.

Has anyone else gone down this path? If so, what is your experience? I've found the Taurine to be calming and it helps me sleep when I take it in the evenings. It's not like a sleeping pill that makes you sleepy, it gives more of a whole-body calming effect. I'd say it's more similar to a benzo than anything. Combine it with melatonin, and you've got a knockout combo. I've only been taking the Vitamin B a couple of days, and during those days I've not noticed much of a difference. I have been able to do a full day's activities and haven't felt a drop in energy levels, so that's good. Like I said about the Guarana, it's hard to tell if it's doing anything more than a couple No-Doz. I am an avid coffee drinker, and knowing that I'm taking caffeine in pill form I have cut out a few cups of coffee to compensate.

I would be very interested to hear of anyone else's experiences with these supplements or any other discussion of energy drinks. Even if you're just a Monster or Red Bull fan, I'd love to hear that as well. Hope everyone is having a good (or at least decent) day!

[boogiesmash]

Sounds like a trip to vitamin shoppe is in order

[Moose72]

One of the B vitamins makes me get flushed. It wears off but it's uncomfortable.

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by Moose72

One of the B vitamins makes me get flushed. It wears off but it's uncomfortable.

Do you know which it is? As I'm sitting here in a chair in my living room, I'm feeling a bit flushed and was wondering if an overload of B was the cause. It might also be that I'm just warm, but I'd be interested to hear if you know which one does that to you. I'm very fair-skinned, and any flushing is very evident in my complexion.

[Moose72]

I think it's niacin

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by boogiesmash

Sounds like a trip to vitamin shoppe is in order

At this point in my journey, I'd say give it a shot and come back to this thread to share your results. Seriously, I bought the components on Amazon, and each pill is less than ten cents.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Moose72

I think it's niacin

Niacin will defiantly cause that flush I have no problem with it my husband drives him nuts.

Are you taking all the activating meds in the am?

I take a ton of vitamins and supplements, I will have to look into those you mention !

Thanks

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Niacin will defiantly cause that flush I have no problem with it my husband drives him nuts.

Are you taking all the activating meds in the am?

I take a ton of vitamins and supplements, I will have to look into those you mention !

Thanks

I'll have to watch it with the niacin. I just checked my B complex and it definitely has a lot in it.

Yes, I am taking the activating meds/supplements in the morning. The only thing I've added in the evening is taurine. I'm taking it in the AM, but I like the calming effect in the evening as well. I haven't needed any Klonopin in the last few days, and I'm wondering if this cocktail is heading off my physical anxiety.

[bioChE]

Anyone else a fan of energy drinks? I've been feeling pretty decent with this combo.

[Moose72]

There was one type called Neuro. The white one made me hypomanic.

[raspberrytorte]

I love red bulls. And the monster ultra sunrises.

[bioChE]

If anyone is interested enough to try this combo, I highly recommend it. I've been taking it for a week or so, and have noticed an elevation in my mood; I was feeling a bit low for quite some time, and I'm much brighter than I was before. It's not mania at all, but just a brightening.

In other news, I haven't had a Monster during the time I've been taking it. I really have lost the desire for the energy drink, and that's been nice on my wallet. I'm also not ingesting the massive amount of sugar associated with those things. I think overall it's been a positive change.

[Wild Coyote]

Are you still using this combination?

Sounds interesting!


WC

[Guiness187055]

I went on a super B complex vitamin and within a week quit energy drinks. I havent had one since January. I do drink a lot of coffee though.

[bioChE]

Yes, I'm still taking the concoction and going strong. Taurine, Guarana, and a Super-B complex. The Guarana also has caffeine, so I've cut down on my AM coffee intake as a result. During the months I've been on this combo, I've only bought a single Monster - and that was more out of boredom than anything. The supplement combo has saved me a pile of cash that I used to spend on Monster beverages. I'd still highly recommend it to anyone looking for a boost in their day.

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Are you still using this combination?


Sounds interesting!




WC

Sorry to not quote your question. My response is above.

[CherryGlazer]

i'm a red bull junkie, though every doctor i've had doesn't think its an issue because my daily consumption is low.

fortunately i have the money to buy it, so i've never considered supplementing - especially because I can't figure out exactly what's in it that helps so much.

I know it's solely not the caffiene because basic coffee doesn't have the same effect.

I've done some research too, I suspect it's the inositol which is a natural mild antidepressant - though its supposedly in too low a dose to be significant.

my other theory is that regular caffeine makes me dehydrated and anxious - and that the hydrating and calming ingredients in energy drinks counter balance this effect - which is why it works better.

truly i think i'll will never know why it works, just that it does

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by CherryGlazer

i'm a red bull junkie, though every doctor i've had doesn't think its an issue because my daily consumption is low.

fortunately i have the money to buy it, so i've never considered supplementing - especially because I can't figure out exactly what's in it that helps so much.

I know it's solely not the caffiene because basic coffee doesn't have the same effect.

I've done some research too, I suspect it's the inositol which is a natural mild antidepressant - though its supposedly in too low a dose to be significant.

my other theory is that regular caffeine makes me dehydrated and anxious - and that the hydrating and calming ingredients in energy drinks counter balance this effect - which is why it works better.

truly i think i'll will never know why it works, just that it does

For me it's not a matter of not having the money, it's the fact that I hate myself for spending three bucks on a glorified soda.

The calming/anti-jittery you feel comes from Taurine. Using Taurine, you'll never get the caffeine jitters regardless how much you consume. Taurine acts as a calming agent, similar to a mild benzo.

I forgot to mention I take Inositol as well, although I take that for another condition and didn't start it as part of my replacement.