Adderall: College Students Miracle Drug

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a prescribed drug often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.  However for college students during finals week, Adderall is a drug used to keep students awake and focused in order to prepare for exams.

One students Adderall tablets for finals week
Photo By: Ana Lastra

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system to affect chemicals within the brain and nerves to control impulse jumps. Adderall XR, or extended release, allows for the effects of the drugs to last longer.


According to one survey, up to 25% of students enrolled at competitive universities had used the drug as a study aid.  Many who take the drug do not have a prescription and use it specifically as a study aid. Often times it is the students with the prescriptions that sell some of their supply to other students.


"This is the first time I've ever paid for it actually, most of the time people will be like 'here yah go!" said one student, "It was six dollars a pill."


Although many students take it only during stressful academic periods, some have said that they became reliant on the drug after taking it so often. The constant use of Adderall creates a higher tolerance for the drug which in turn causes more to be taken and more often. Addiction to the drug is a very real danger for students taking it as a study aid.


"Once you try it once and you don't die, then yeah, after that it's the best!" said an anonymous student.

Other side effects of Adderall or Adderall XR include:

• Erectile disorder or other sexual dysfunctions
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and irritability
• Loss of appetite 
• Headache

More severe side effects include:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid pulse rate
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Urinary tract infection

For many undergraduates, the benefits outweigh the risk of addiction or reactions.  In February 2005, Adderall was banned from sale in Canada "after 24 deaths and 54 cases of severe cardiovascular problems reported in the U.S."  Later the drug was allowed to be sold again in Canada.


"It helps me stay awake for long periods of time, increased focus and it seems to help me retain information," said a student.

For more information on Adderall please see your doctor or local pharmacists. If you think you have overdosed or having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical assistance. For a list of side effects or symptoms of overdose please see http://www.adderall.net/.