I’m a doctor – these are the 3 tell-tale signs your kids are using study drugs

Thousands of students and schoolchildren would use them.

Yet their parents may be completely unaware that their children are taking powerful “smart drugs” to get them through the dreaded exam seasons.

This is because there is often no clear evidence that a young person is taking pills such as Ritalin and Adderall, which can cost as little as £2 and have dangerous side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety and weight loss.

But Dr Samantha Miller, an NHS doctor in Scotland, has told MailOnline how parents can tell if their child is taking the addictive drugs.

A change in eating habits, energy levels and focus on studying can all be warning signs, she said.

Dr. Miller, also a medical associate at DrugHelpline, said parents who notice their child’s appetite loss, such as eating smaller portions at mealtimes or not feeling like eating at all, should bring up the topic of study drugs “without judgment.”

This is because a class of study drugs called amphetamines is known to have this effect, she said.

They inhibit the release of neuropeptide Y – a chemical messenger released by the brain – which normally stimulates a person’s hunger.

Another visible change may be that they have lost weight.

However, it may be normal for weight and appetite to vary.

Another warning sign of stimulant use is that a child has more energy than usual, Dr. Miller said.

She said: ‘Stimulant drugs increase a person’s alertness and wakefulness.

“If you notice your child staying up late at night or getting up early in the morning to study, especially in a child who is not normally awake at these times, it may increase the possibility of illegal drug use.”

An excessive focus on academic pursuits is another red flag that may indicate a child is taking drugs designed to boost concentration, such as methylphenidate or Ritalin.

While many kids tend to study more during exam season, according to Dr. Miller, it’s important to recognize if they’re studying for long periods without taking a break.

Stimulant medications alter levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, making it easier to stay focused longer, she said.

That is why they are handed out to people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Study drugs also improve cognitive processing, allowing a child to understand or learn more complex subjects in a shorter amount of time, it is claimed.

Therefore, according to Dr. Miller, a child can sit at their desk and study for hours at a time when before they would eventually feel tired.

She warned that investigation drugs have not been thoroughly researched for their supposed brain-stimulating powers and are known to have multiple negative effects.

Both Adderall and Ritalin can potentially lead to increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, anxiety, and drastic weight loss.

When taken as recommended, these drugs are non-addictive.

But many of those who abuse it take significantly higher doses or crush and snort the pills, making them more potent.

When taken this way, the drug can become addictive, while also increasing the risk of trouble sleeping, anxiety and even heart damage.

Mental health problems among students in the UK are on the rise, with good performance in courses and exams, keeping up with studying and managing time identified as the biggest sources of stress, charities say.

To improve their performance, record numbers of students are turning to study drugs.

The pills have been popular in the US since the 1990s.

Dr. Miller warned that the added stress caused by exam season could lead many students to become dependent on drugs to cope.

But she advised parents to help their children “without judgment.”

She said: ‘Talk openly about perceived exam stress and discuss alternative strategies to improve focus, for example peer review or study groups.

“It may be helpful to get your child’s school and GP involved if needed.”