'Study Drugs': The Real Effects

Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta, their generic versions, and similar chemicals are usually prescribed to people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help with concentration, especially for schoolwork. These drugs fall into the Schedule II narcotics, which means they are potentially abused. They are also sympathomimetic, meaning they produce similar affects to adrenaline, which acts in the sympathetic nervous system.

Adderall is an amphetamine. Other amphetamines include speed, meth, and cocaine. For a general description, this type of drug increases your sense of alertness. Amphetamines in the form of Adderall and other medications are legal in the United States if you have a prescription, and (obviously) cocaine and meth are not. On a drug test, Adderall may show up as methamphetamine. When someone is high on amphetamines, their condition is generally referred to as "tweaked out".

Amphetamines were used first in an inhaler to treat congestion and were later used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. They are also used, and have been used historically, in various jobs where employees have to concentrate and stay awake for long periods of time, such as pilots, truck drivers, and overnight security guards.

Adderall is classified as a psychostimulant. It is made from a mixtureof amphetamine salts. It was approved by the FDA and first sold in 1996 to treat ADD and ADHD. According to the Erowid Vaults, "Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person." Positive effects include increased alertness, motivation, and sense of wellbeing. Around campus, students that take the drug say that Adderall helps them study, but there are others who have tried it and did not like the effects. Some student users do have a prescription, and some do not.

Negative effects can have a significant impact on the user, including paranoia, rise in body temperature, and insomnia, among others. Adderall, like other amphetamines, also decreases your appetite. This is listed as a neutral effect on Erowid.com; however, in our culture, the positive implications of a decreased appetite may contribute to the increased use of this "study drug." In fact, Adderall was made from a former weight-loss drug. Effects during withdrawal include confusion, craving, and anxiety.

One sophomore girl who is prescribed Adderall and has been taking it according to the doctor's directions for five years says that she "collapses" if she does not take it for a few days. When she does take the drug, she becomes motivated to work. Her ability to concentrate is significantly increased, but she does note that Adderall makes her a little antsy.

Another sophomore girl (who is not prescribed Adderall) noted that it made her "freak out" when she tried it. Her heart rate increased so much that it became difficult to concentrate. She says she took the drug because she believed it would help her study better.

While Adderall is an amphetamine, Ritalin and Concerta are methylphenidates. Ritalin and Concerta have some motivational results similar to Adderall, but the chemical makeup is different. Erowid's general description of methylphenidates is as follows: "Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant widely prescribed to treat [ADD]. It is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy, mild depression, and in combination with other drugs in the treatment of chronic pain." Central nervous system stimulation has an effect similar to the "fight or flight" response in the autonomous nervous system.

The desired effects of Ritalin and Concerta are similar to Adderall: methylphenidates increase the ability to concentrate, alertness, and motivation. However, the effects of Ritalin and Concerta are not usually as intense as the effects of Adderall. Students report that Adderall gives them more of a high than Ritalin and that the motivational and concentration effects are clearly stronger.

Of course, methylphenidates affect everyone differently. But common negative effects are decreased sex drive, problems sleeping, dehydration, and, in some cases, hallucinations. Concerta is an extended release methylphenidate. Ritalin and Adderall also produce an extended release form of their concoctions.

There are a few issues that pertain to these chemicals. One of the issues is that ADHD medicine, amphetamines and methylphenidates, are being prescribed to children younger and younger. We already know the long-term effects of chronic use even if it is a legitimate prescription, and side effects tend to be stronger in children.

As ADHD is becoming a more popular drug, the over-prescription of these drugs has become a problem and topic of discussion on college campuses. The abundance of amphetamine and methylphenidate prescriptions and ADHD diagnoses lead us to question the actual condition of the patients. How could ALL of these people be diagnosed with ADHD? Is it more common in our generation because we grew up on synthetic crap? Is it fair that, regardless of their needs, some students use Adderall and some do not?

Another issue arises from mixing Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta with other prescription drugs. A cocktail of drugs may do more harm than good and could have serious health implications. There are risks involving any type of self-medication, especially with chemicals that are illegal narcotics. There is a reason for the "no refill" policy for amphetamines in the U.S. When the drug is prescribed, it is done so under careful monitoring due to the intensity of the drug, the side effects, and the potential for abuse.

Anther issue with these drugs is that they are easy to crush into powder and insufflate. Some studies show that even a cocaine connoisseur (if you will) would have trouble distinguishing the effects of a line of Adderall and a line of cocaine.

The use of prescription drugs should not be taken lightly. There is no real universal effect of these drugs, so it is difficult to assess the potential effects it might have within your body.