"People who use these drugs only on occasion to study are much more likely to crash once the drug has worn off," Rich says. "The crash can cause exhaustion and depression because the body's energy supplies and dopamine have all been used up."
Along with increasing concentration and focus, study drugs have short-term risks like increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, nervousness, and insomnia. Natalie asserts that each of these risks is present even when the drugs are only used once.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Adderall can cause hallucinations, impulsive behavior, paranoia, and irritability. These are among a long list of dangerous side effects that probably won't help with that final tomorrow morning when used by people for whom the drugs are not prescribed!
In addition to the health consequences associated with study drugs, a collegiette who uses these substances could face serious legal consequences like fines, jail time, and suspension from school. Misusing prescription drugs, with or without a prescription, is illegal, as is passing out these substances to others. Additionally, your chances of committing a crime increase when you're under the influence of drugs.
And then, there are the long-term risks. Adderall and other prescription stimulants have been known to cause adverse side effects when used with antidepressants like Marplan and Nardil. When used simultaneously with antidepressants, which are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, study drugs can produce life-threatening effects.
The most worrisome risk of using study drugs is the potential for dependence and addiction. Addiction can lead to the health conditions mentioned above, as well as more serious consequences, namely death.
Study drug users don't necessarily plan to get addicted to the helpful substances -- we would hope not! -- but it certainly happens. "Adderall and Ritalin are Schedule II substances, meaning these drugs have a high potential for abuse and dependence," Rich says. "Because of this, anyone using these drugs without supervision is at higher risk of developing a problem."