Prescription for dangerous study habits
Midterms mayhem: the lengths students will go to make the grade
Angela Salerno
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Features
"Everyone's brain is unique and different," said Kessler, "If a student takes an ADHD stimulant without having the disorder, it will react differently to their body than someone who is actually prescribed the medication."
Although students who use ADHD medications claim they feel more energized and focused when using the drug, these medications also present negative effects as well.
"Sometimes I feel like they give me anxiety at the end of the day when they wear off. They also make me have trouble falling asleep, along with sometimes making my heart race," said a senior who prefers to keep their name anonymous.
Kessler advises students that the effects of misusing these medications without a prescription are harmful and can cause a list of different side effects depending upon the person consuming them.
"A stimulant will act as a stimulant. Students who take these medications do not benefit from them in the same way as students who are actually prescribed these medications," said Kessler.
During her experience as an alcohol and drug counselor, Kessler states students have reported a common list of side effects from recreational use of these medications.
"Students have reported having panic attacks, feeling jittery, anxious, being unable to fall asleep, loss of appetite, and having heart palpitations," said Kessler, "Ultimately, these stimulants can cause heart attacks."
With proper diagnosis, the chance of experiencing these side effects is lower for patients with a prescription than for those who do not have a prescription.
But how is it students manage to get a hold of these stimulants without a doctor's consultation?
"Students can get them from other students who actually have these prescriptions. Word travels about who has them and people can make profit off of them," said another junior who asked to remain anonymous.
With what appears to be easy access to attain these medications, the risk of addiction is higher for students who rely on the medications, results too much.
Although students who use ADHD medications claim they feel more energized and focused when using the drug, these medications also present negative effects as well.
"Sometimes I feel like they give me anxiety at the end of the day when they wear off. They also make me have trouble falling asleep, along with sometimes making my heart race," said a senior who prefers to keep their name anonymous.
Kessler advises students that the effects of misusing these medications without a prescription are harmful and can cause a list of different side effects depending upon the person consuming them.
"A stimulant will act as a stimulant. Students who take these medications do not benefit from them in the same way as students who are actually prescribed these medications," said Kessler.
During her experience as an alcohol and drug counselor, Kessler states students have reported a common list of side effects from recreational use of these medications.
"Students have reported having panic attacks, feeling jittery, anxious, being unable to fall asleep, loss of appetite, and having heart palpitations," said Kessler, "Ultimately, these stimulants can cause heart attacks."
With proper diagnosis, the chance of experiencing these side effects is lower for patients with a prescription than for those who do not have a prescription.
But how is it students manage to get a hold of these stimulants without a doctor's consultation?
"Students can get them from other students who actually have these prescriptions. Word travels about who has them and people can make profit off of them," said another junior who asked to remain anonymous.
With what appears to be easy access to attain these medications, the risk of addiction is higher for students who rely on the medications, results too much.
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