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It’s that time of year again: finals. As we prepare to bunker down in the library and finish strong, it may seem tempting to use study drugs as an aid. While stimulants and other drugs have become popular study tools, there are a few things you should consider before using.

What are study drugs?

Study drugs are any prescription stimulant used to increase energy and concentration. Adderall and Ritalin are the most commonly misused study drugs.

Use caution

Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are safe when prescribed by a physician, but can be risky when taken without a prescription. They can also become more dangerous when mixed with other drugs and alcohol.

If you choose to use study drugs without a prescription, here are some strategies to reduce negative side effects:

1. Know what drug you’re using.
2. Start slow and use smaller doses until you know how the drug affects you.
3. Be with people you trust in a safe environment; make sure a sober person is nearby.
4. Carry naloxone (Narcan) in case the drug has been mixed with opiates.

Note: Possession of Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription can result in felony criminal charges.

Know when to call for help

If you choose to use study drugs, you may experience a number of negative side effects. Here are some to watch out for:

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 for help. Good Samaritan laws and CU Boulder’s Amnesty policy can protect those who call for help during drug-related emergencies.

Maximize your studying in other ways

When it’s crunch time, we may feel like study drugs can help us extend our study sessions or maintain better focus. However, studies have shown that using study drugs doesn’t enhance academic performance. You may feel more alert when taking medications like Ritalin or Adderall, but they may not improve your test-taking or study skills.

The most effective way to improve your grade is to plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time to study, get enough sleep and take breaks. Here are a few tips as you prepare for finals:

• Plan your study sessions for when you’re most mentally sharp in the day.
• Prioritize what you study based on what will be on your exams. Start with the information you don’t know as well. If you aren’t sure what will be on your exams, visit your professor’s office hours to get clarification.
• Find ways to avoid distractions during your designated study times. Once you hit a milestone in your assignment or study guide, check your social or watch an episode of your favorite show as a reward before you start studying again.
• Plan for seven hours of sleep each night, and fit some power naps into your day if you can—your brain functions better when it’s well-rested.
• If you are having trouble getting started on a paper, create a loose outline with bullets of your main points. Staring at a blank page can make it more difficult to get started, and creating a plan with your outline can help overcome that roadblock.

Use campus resources instead

CU Boulder has a number of resources to help students prepare for finals. These are a great alternative to going it alone and are more effective than study drugs.