How does adderall help you study

Overall, researchers noted the perceived benefit of executive function — or the part of the brain that likes to get stuff done — but had no benefit to working memory. In other words, most people stopped taking their study drugs after those final finals were over, but some did continue to use them.

But Giordano says a related drug, methylphenidate Ritalin , has been shown to improve aspects of working memory, episodic memory, and task vigilance. The drugs do come with some side effects that are felt differently across many people using various stimulants with varying intensity, such as dry mouth, insomnia, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.

The problem with drugs that are used off-label i. Williams and a number of other medical professionals have the same prescription for a variety of conditions, namely those that affect memory and other brain functions: exercise and sleep.

Yes, there are prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and even things lining the shelves and coolers of your nearest corner store that can either help you stay alert or wind down so you can fall asleep. But regular exercise and sleep patterns kept humans alive long before we discovered caffeine. College campuses are offering more counseling to help deal with an increase in student mental health issues. When doctors prescribe stimulants for medical conditions like ADHD, they start with a low dose.

If someone needs more, they build up slowly and carefully. Doctors do this because large doses of stimulants can cause serious medical problems. These include:. Using stimulants too often can lead to intense anger, paranoia, heart problems, and mental health problems. Mixing study drugs with over-the-counter cold medicines that contain decongestants increases the chance of developing high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.

Lots of people who start taking study drugs think they're harmless — or they think they'll just use them once like to get through finals. Study drugs can be just as addictive as street drugs, though. Over time, people who overuse stimulants can become dependent on them. If they try to quit, they may have withdrawal symptoms like depression, thoughts of suicide, intense drug cravings, sleep problems, and fatigue. The health risks aren't the only downside to study drugs.

Students caught with illegal prescription drugs may get suspended from school, have to pay fines, and even do time in jail. If you need to focus, there are better choices than study drugs.

Here are some specific tips:. Get study assistance. Students who misuse medications are often under psychological distress and could benefit from counseling or therapy. Stop multitasking. Doing several tasks at once can cause confusion, and it can take longer to complete each task that way rather than doing them sequentially.

Spread out your studying. Instead of cramming the night before a test, schedule study sessions over several nights, Benson says. That will improve your ability to retain information over the long term and help you get enough sleep, especially on nights before exams. Limit social media. It can be distracting and anxiety-provoking. And recent research has found an association between a high use of social media and ADHD in adolescents.

Address your stress and sleep. People who are under stress or are tired perform worse than those who are calm and well-rested. So try to incorporate relaxation strategies, such as exercise and meditation, into your life, and stick to a regular sleep routine so that you can get adequate shut-eye.

Ever use an ADHD drug as a study aid? Have any problems? Tell us your story below in the comments section. Show comments commenting powered by Facebook. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it. Medical Disclaimer The content of this website such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website are for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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