Study Drugs

The term "study drugs" came into widespread use in the late 1990s to describe drugs, particularly prescription stimulant medications, which students use to increase concentration and stamina. The term is most often associated with the illegal use of Ritalin® and Adderall® by people who acquire them through any means other than a legitimate prescription.

Study Drugs 101

Ritalin and Adderall are amphetamines - brain stimulants that physicians very frequently prescribe to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). ADD and AD/HD are common behavioral disorders affecting attention span, impulse control, and self-discipline, and in the case of AD/HD, hyperactivity.

Not too long ago, drugs like Ritalin and Adderall were known almost exclusively as a treatment for children and some adults with AD/HD. However, it has become quite common to find students on college and high school campuses who are not affected by AD/HD using drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall to help them study longer and with greater focus and efficiency.

The illegal nonmedical use of Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and other similar prescription medications as study aids is a hot topic on U.S. college campuses today. Estimates of the percentage of students who use prescription stimulants for nonmedical reasons vary between 8%-36%.

Ritalin and Adderall are closely related to illegal "street" drugs, including dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, or "dexies"), methamphetamine ("crystal meth") and cocaine.

Ritalin

Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, and Rubifen are brand names for methylphenidate hydrochloride, an amphetamine-like prescription stimulant commonly used to treat AD/HD in children and adults. It is also one of the primary drugs used to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury and the daytime drowsiness of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Ritalin was derived from Dexedrine in the 1950's in an effort to reduce that drug's side effects of appetite suppression and insomnia. Ritalin is the most frequently prescribed stimulant drug for AD/HD and is the focus of much of the controversy about stimulant drugs.

Ritalin is available in both short- and long-acting form. The short acting form generally begins working about 30 minutes after ingestion, peaks at two hours and diminishes in about four. It must be taken several times daily. Ritalin sustained-release tablets last about eight hours.

Ritalin affects children in the same way that related stimulants like cocaine affects adults. It sharpens the short-term attention span when the drug kicks in and produces equally predictable valleys when it wears off.

Possible side effects include insomnia, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, tics, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, irregular or fast heartbeat, confusion, and liver damage (characterized by yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, and severe fatigue).

Possible symptoms of an overdose include agitation, anxiety, tremors, muscle twitches, seizures, confusion, hallucinations, sweating, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, large pupils, and dryness of the mouth and eyes.

Ritalin has potential for abuse and for physical and psychological dependence, especially among people who do not have AD/HD. Continued Ritalin use can build up a tolerance to the drug and eventually require larger doses to reap the same effects. Once discontinued, withdrawal effects such as depression may occur.

Adderall

Adderall is a "cocktail" drug that combines four drugs from the amphetamine family. It was first developed about 20 years ago under the name Obetrol, and was marketed for weight loss. The FDA first approved it for unrestricted use for the treatment of ADD and ADHD (AD/HD) in 1996.

The effects of Adderall can be felt after only a few doses but often takes up to a week or more to achieve the full effect. One dose lasts about six hours. Doctors and people using Adderall report that it can be less "harsh" than Ritalin, with fewer peaks and valleys.

Possible side effects of Adderall include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, restlessness or tremor, anxiety or nervousness, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dryness of the mouth or unpleasant taste in the mouth, diarrhea or constipation, impotence or changes in sex drive.

Possible symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Like Ritalin, Adderall has potential for abuse and dependence, especially among people who do not have AD/HD. Continued use can result in tolerance to the drug, necessitating an increase in dosage to reap the same effects. Once discontinued, withdrawal effects such as depression may occur.