Spring Break
Studying for finals becomes risky business
Students cramming for finals should beware of common "study drugs"
Jaimie Siegle, Contributing Writer, jsiegle@smu.edu
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: News
Adderall, Ritalin and similar compounds like Concerta and Vyvanse are amphetamines, classified in the same family as speed and cocaine. Their immediate side effects are similar to these illegal drugs - increased heart rate and blood pressure, mild insomnia and loss of appetite. Some students have used Adderall as a diet pill, and some use it recreationally. The pill's contents can also be snorted like cocaine, affecting the brain more quickly.
But most students just use it when they need to boost their academics. The International Narcotics Control Board reported in 2005 that one in 10 teens in the United States has used Ritalin or Adderall without a doctor's prescription.
"College Students and Study Drugs," a survey conducted between April 18 and April 24 on surveymonkey.com, was sent to students from several universities through Facebook. Twenty-five of the 77 anonymous students who responded to the survey admitted to taking Adderall, Ritalin or a similar compound for studying; of those 25, 70 percent were not prescribed the drug.
Michigan State University student Melinda Maddock, 19, took Adderall twice, and hated it. She experienced side effects that made her feel depressed and even suicidal.
"I'm never taking it again," the sophomore speech therapy major said. "It was horrible."
Other students swear by Adderall.
"I take it every time I have a test or paper," said Southern Methodist University student Thomas. He said he experiences some side effects, like moodiness and loss of appetite.
The 21-year-old CCPA major is prescribed Adderall and usually gives it to friends free of charge, though he said people sell it from $5 to $10 per pill depending on the strength.
According to the survey, more than half of those who have taken a "study drug" said they did not pay for it. Students speculate that it may be the rise of prescriptions, not necessarily a rise in ADD patients. Thomas said he knew people in high school who lied about having the disorder to a random physician and received a prescription. Newcomer has heard of similar incidences at JMU.
But most students just use it when they need to boost their academics. The International Narcotics Control Board reported in 2005 that one in 10 teens in the United States has used Ritalin or Adderall without a doctor's prescription.
"College Students and Study Drugs," a survey conducted between April 18 and April 24 on surveymonkey.com, was sent to students from several universities through Facebook. Twenty-five of the 77 anonymous students who responded to the survey admitted to taking Adderall, Ritalin or a similar compound for studying; of those 25, 70 percent were not prescribed the drug.
Michigan State University student Melinda Maddock, 19, took Adderall twice, and hated it. She experienced side effects that made her feel depressed and even suicidal.
"I'm never taking it again," the sophomore speech therapy major said. "It was horrible."
Other students swear by Adderall.
"I take it every time I have a test or paper," said Southern Methodist University student Thomas. He said he experiences some side effects, like moodiness and loss of appetite.
The 21-year-old CCPA major is prescribed Adderall and usually gives it to friends free of charge, though he said people sell it from $5 to $10 per pill depending on the strength.
According to the survey, more than half of those who have taken a "study drug" said they did not pay for it. Students speculate that it may be the rise of prescriptions, not necessarily a rise in ADD patients. Thomas said he knew people in high school who lied about having the disorder to a random physician and received a prescription. Newcomer has heard of similar incidences at JMU.
Be the first to comment on this story