While swallowing Adderall at 3:00 a.,”Every college student across America takes measures to achieve the best grades possible in as many subjects as possible. However, when these measures have gone beyond studying and note-taking to the abuse of prescription drugs, things have gotten out of hand.

While swallowing Adderall at 3 a.m. when you have a 10-page paper to finish may seem like a quick and easy solution to your lack of concentration, the risks involved are too great to take the chance.

It is no mystery that college students participate in the buying and selling of Adderall and other prescription drugs that enhance focusing abilities.

An anonymous Marquette student said that he bought two Adderall pills for $20 during exams last semester from a student who was prescribed the medication by a doctor. The student stated that taking the pills helped him to concentrate and that he was able to earn better grades than he felt he would have had he not taken the Adderall.

The appeal of better grades and better concentration should not overshadow the extreme health risks involved in taking these pills, not to mention that the buying and selling of these prescriptions by people other than doctors is illegal. There is a reason that these drugs are prescribed for individuals who meet the qualifications for safely taking the pills for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Adderall is an amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant that speeds up the heart rate and blood pressure. If students not prescribed take Adderall, they risk heart attack, cardiovascular palpitations, dizziness, insomnia, weight loss and psychotic episodes, among many other side effects.

Many college students who are healthy may not be aware of their blood pressure condition. If a student with already high blood pressure takes Adderall, the increased blood pressure could cause extreme health conditions or death. In the past, the abuse of Adderall has caused death to students who have taken it solely to get ahead in the classroom.

Facebook groups give the use of Adderall on college campuses a positive name with titles such as, "IF I DIDNT HAVE ADDERALL ID FAIL OUT OF SCHOOL" and "Adderall Saved My College Career!"

However, other groups reflect the negative effects of the drug such as the groups, "I TOOK TOO MUCH ADDERALL AND I THINK IM HAVING A HEART ATTACK" and "Damn Adderall, I haven't eaten in a week!"

It is evident from the existence of these groups and their many members that Adderall is popularly used on college campuses, and it shouldn't be.

As Marquette students approach finals week, popping a pill should not be a part of the studying process. In the end, it is best for students to engage in healthier and risk-free options to make the grade. Spend more time in the library, exercise to clear the head, eat healthy meals and get lots of sleep in order to be in the best condition to hit the books without the Adderall.

“