Thursday 03-06-2021 - 14:33

What are they? 

Study drugs are prescription drugs typically used by people with attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sometimes narcolepsy. These drugs are misused by people who do not have the disorders mentioned above to improve their workflow. Some of the most popular study drugs include Ritalin, Modafinil, Adderall, amongst many others, and they all are classed as amphetamines. Amphetamines are all stimulants and are used both medically and recreationally for a variety of reasons. 

Study drugs are often said to make one more clever or smarter but, in reality, users only report improved concentration for extended periods of time. Study drugs are mostly taken orally (as a pill or capsule) but others are intranasal (snorting), and intravenous (injection) routes of administration. 

Side Effects 

If you are considering taking study drugs, there are 3 main negative consequences of using study drugs and they are (a) potential for addiction, (b) adverse reactions to high doses, and (c) potential for medical complications. 

(A) Addiction – study drugs have abuse potential, and tolerance and dependency can and will develop. Withdrawal from symptoms include the inability to concentrate for extended periods of time, exhaustion, depression, unpleasant and vivid dreams, insomnia, and irritability. 

(B) At higher doses, users can expect to experience anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, headaches, sweating, and dryness of the mouth and eyes. Prolonged used at high doses could lead to delusions. 

(C) Due to the stimulant nature of study drugs, they will raise your heart rate and blood pressure. If you are at risk of or have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is advised that you do not take them as they can cause an irregular heartbeat or abnormally high blood pressure. Similarly, if you have anxiety, depression, motor tic’s, a history of drug abuse, psychotic conditions it is also advised that you do not take study drugs as they may exacerbate these conditions. 

Harm Reduction 

If you do plan on taking study drugs it is extremely important to (1) know where these drugs have come from (i.e., their legitimacy), and (2) the doses they contain. When in doubt, start with a lower dose. Furthermore, make sure you are adequately hydrated and eating well before, during, and after taking these study drugs. 

This blog does not condone the use of drugs, only seeks to educate people on drug education and harm reduction.

SSDP UoM