Once you know which supplements are worth taking, the next questions are how much and when. The good news is that the few supplements that actually work for powerlifters are simple to dose. You do not need a complicated schedule. You need consistency.
Creatine: Daily Beats Timing
With creatine, the timing barely matters. What matters is that you take it every day so it stays saturated in your muscles. Three to five grams daily, with a meal so it sits well, and that is it. Training days, rest days, it does not change. You do not have to load it with big doses up front, though loading just gets you there a little faster. Pick a time you will remember and stick to it.
Caffeine: Time It to the Work
Caffeine is where timing actually matters. Take it roughly thirty to sixty minutes before you train so it peaks while you are under the bar. A common effective range is around three to six milligrams per kilogram of body weight for a hard session, but start on the low end and see how you respond. Avoid taking it too late in the day or it will wreck the sleep you need to recover.
Protein and the Rest
Protein powder follows the same rule as whole food protein. Spread it across the day to support recovery, with a serving after training being a convenient option. Vitamin D and other gap-fillers just need to be taken consistently, usually with a meal that has some fat for absorption.
Keep the system simple enough that you never miss. Creatine daily, caffeine before hard sessions, protein spread out, the rest with meals. Consistency over months is what produces results, not a perfect schedule you cannot keep.