University students have been warned to stay away from so-called smart drugs in the run-up to exams.
According to a behavioural expert, institutions should test students for the medication prior to important tests, after US research found that more and more students are taking exam-performance enhancing drugs such as modafinil and Ritalin.
Cambridge University professor of clinical neuropsychology Barbara Sahakian suggested that many students feel under pressure to take the drugs to compete with their rivals.
DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes suggested that while drugs like modafinil may help with cognition, "the possible benefits have to be weighed against the potential risks - side effects can include anxiety, insomnia and, in some cases, depression".
He added that such medication should only be taken under orders from a qualified doctor, but that the use of the drugs does not help students address the underlying issue of pre-exam anxiety.
Meanwhile, DrugScope recently reported that young adults who are out of work often find that unemployment drives them to alcohol or drugs.
