Editor’s note: The last name of an Ohio University student has been omitted from this story to protect their privacy.
For students who choose to stay away from prescription drugs for help with studying, one company claims to have a non-prescribed alternative, but some Ohio University officials aren’t on board.
Gentech Pharmaceutical, a research and development company for pharmacological alternatives based in the United States and the United Kingdom, created ADDTabz, a non-prescription pharmaceutical. It was designed as an upgrade from Adderall for patients who are not diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but want the benefits of the focus, energy and concentration from a prescribed drug like Adderall, according to a news release.
“I wouldn’t recommend anyone trying it; it could be dangerous,” said John Kemerer, medical director of Campus Care and assistant professor of family medicine in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. “They don’t list the ingredients and any company that doesn’t list ingredients makes me nervous.”
Terry Koons, associate director of the Campus Involvement Center for Health Promotion, said ADDTabz is not an amphetamine.
“An analysis from an independent laboratory found that it contains an ingredient in chocolate, coffee or tea (called) methylxanthines, which are related to caffeine,” he said.
The Food and Drug Administration approves some but not all of the active ingredients, said Derek Vest, CEO of Gentech Pharmaceutical, in the release.
“One perception is that if it is FDA approved it’s safe,” Koons said. “People don’t consider Adderall use a problem because they think of it as medication and not as a drug; these medications are used for medical reasons but when you are using it for a nonmedical reason they are drugs of abuse.”
OU’s Alcohol and Other Drug Survey found out in 2011 that the number one misused prescription drugs are stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin with about 14 percent of students taking the medications for nonmedical reasons, Koons said.
“Students turn to drugs like Adderall to stay focused and alert for periods of time when they usually would be tired and less productive,” said Steven Evans, a professor of psychology. “I think the overuse of Adderall amongst students is a problem.”
Katie, a sophomore in OU’s University College, said she has used Adderall in the past to help her study but would not purchase or use ADDTabz.
“I only take Adderall when I have an enormous amount of stuff to get done and I don’t have enough time to not be productive,” she said. “I wouldn’t trust ADDTabz though.”
Koons said he has three tips for college students to help stay mentally focused and do well in their studies without turning to medications.
“Get eight hours of sleep, eat right and exercise,” Koons said.
bc822010@ohiou.edu
