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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
        
(Message started by: mollybo on Sep 11^th, 2007, 6:51pm)

Title: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by mollybo on Sep 11^th, 2007, 6:51pm

I haven't tried Red Bull yet as I don't want to "experiment" on a workday and am essentially off caffeine now. I bought a four-pack and was kind of shocked at the price. I also hear that 1) you need to slam it, and 2) it doesn't taste great. I don't drink very fast, especially if it's carbonated.

Can I replicate the effect of Red Bull with caffeine tablets and a taurine supplement? It would be a heck of a lot cheaper.

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by Charlotte on Sep 11^th, 2007, 9:43pm

I have used whatever the dollar store and Big Lots have, but sugarfree red bull is my favorite, and LoCarb Monster is my 2nd favorite.

It took me three tries before it worked, and awhile to get used to the taste. Most people like it ice cold, but it works for me at room temperature.

Now, I've also turned on my friends with regular headaches to red bull. I tell them, "Slam it like you're trying to win a beer drinking contest."

I haven't tried the supplements.

Charlotte

ps I do use verapamil, and kudzu. There is concern to be careful when you combine things, and check with your doc and pharmacist if you have concerns.

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by tommyD on Sep 11^th, 2007, 11:12pm

There are plenty of other energy drinks with taurine and caffeine, some are cheaper, some are stronger, some even taste better.

This page has a comparison chart of taurine drinks:

http://tommydfungus.googlepages.com/taurinepage1

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by Wayne on Sep 12^th, 2007, 4:32am

As to the original question. The success of Redbull or the generics is that the caffiene and taurine are absorbed rapidly - hence the success as an abortive. I tried the caffiene tablet/ taurine capsule route with absolutely no success at all. I reckon that by the time they got working the hit would heve been over in anycase.

I sometimes got a repeat hit one to two hours after killing one with a Redbull, I did find that taking a caffiene tablet with the Redbull - as a sort of slow release- helped stop those.

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by sandie99 on Sep 12^th, 2007, 6:00am

Well, what can I say? I don't mind the taste of Red Bull or Red Devil (its generic equivalent), but some other brands do taste rather revolting. I'm one of those who drink it cold - nothing warm or room temperature helps me.

I have got help from caffeine tablets, but they do take longer than energy drinks to work and on my experience (what comes to me that is) their effect is shorter. I did take taurine tablets for 50 days, which gave me nicely PF time, but also the worst hit on this time around and my stomach didn't like the experiment.

I don't know it throat pills Vicks Red Energy are available for you Molly, but if they are, give them a try. They have caffeine and taurine in them, one tab has 25g of caffeine, so it would be a nice start. They help me with mild shadows and keep the beast at bay if I don't happen to have anýthing else closeby.

BUT, on my experience, energy drink effect cannot be replicated as such. But, naturally, that's MY experiece with my head; you have to see for yourself, if you can. We react bit differently to these treatments as well! :)

Lots of PF days,
Sanna

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by DennisM1045 on Sep 12^th, 2007, 7:28am

Sombody (I forget who) offered the tip of putting the drink in another container in the fridge. That way you get it cold and allow the carbonation to escape making it easier to slam.

I can't slam a 16oz Rock Star in one go but I can do it in two and that works for me.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Red Bull vs. caffeine and taurine supplements?
Post by southwalessunshine on Sep 18^th, 2007, 1:05pm

I was really sceptical at first but I'm glad I tried it now. If I get caught out and about with no 02 i can go into any store and buy a can. i always have Pro Plus in my bag and wash down 2 with the Red bull. It really does help chase away the baby headaches but I don't even bother with anything higher than a KIP 3 or 4. The taste isn't great but I never used to mind it before. however now, I loathe the taste purely because I have to down it quickly so often and because I connect it with a CH attack, and because when i get an attack i don't feel like drinking or eating strong flavours. However I'll continue taking it because it works and if it aborts early days it's better than ending up taking an Imi jab, which for me, is worse than downing a can of Red Bull. At home I pour the can into a glass and down it from there. it's not quite so gassy but, it's a small price to pay. Red Bull is expensive but you can get cheaper alternatives. here in the Uk I get ASDA's version as it has the exact same amount of caffeine and taurine as Red Bull and is half the price.