Pharmacists are concerned with the ‘study drug’

Pharmacists are concerned with students in university and college who abuse the use of the “study drug.”

Adderall is a drug used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but many students use the drug as a way to increase mental focus and productivity during studying. The drug is not off the shelf medication and it causes pharmacist concern of whether the students really know the effects it may have. Pharmacist Phoebe Wl Chan, said it has not become a medication sold off the shelf because some people will abuse its use.

“There are a lot of side effects that Adderall can cause which some people don’t know,” said Chan. “It can cause mood changes, agitation, anxiety, headaches and much more.”

According to Drugs.com, there are more than 30 side effects which would require medical attention if they occur. A St. Clair College student who doesn’t want to be identified said he has been taking Adderall since his second year of college. He said he only takes it three days before any exam or a day before any test. Before taking Adderall he said listening to music was his only way to get things done when it came to studying.

“I use to listen to trance and techno to get me into my ‘let’s crack down and finish all this work’ mode, but now I like to sit in solitude and silence when I study and Adderall seems to have that effect on me,” he said.

Although he said he was not prescribed the drug by a physician, he said it is very easy to get the pill if you know the right people.

The only advice Chan said she can give to students is to change study habits and only take medication that is prescribed.

“Try changing the environment you live in because anxiety and stress can effect your way of living,” she said.

Visit Drugs.com for more information about the side effects of Adderall or ask a local pharmacists.