Departament of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Nicolae Testemitanu State
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, The 8th International Medical Congress for Students and Young Doctors, September 24-26, 2020Introduction. Numerous recent studies show that misuse of stimulants by individuals without
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has increased over last years, in order to
enhance cognitive performance. This is especially popular among students. Hence, the need to
assess the effects of methylphenidate on healthy brain (without ADHD), as well as the
associated adverse reactions, arises.
Aim of the study. To evaluate the prevalence of methylphenidate (MPH) usage among medical
students, to emphasize pharmacological effects and adverse reactions.
Materials and methods. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed in
online and sheet forms to students of the ungraduated medical programme. The literature review on stimulants misuse has been performed, including search of following databases:
PubMed, ResearchGate, neurology.com, etc.
Results. 114 questionnaires have been completed, including: 34 – online and 80 – on sheets.
Approximately 14,0% (16 of 114) of surveyed students have used MPH for non-medical
purposes. Most of them used it to enhance their ability to concentrate 63,64 % (7 of 11). Next
adverse reactions were mentioned: tachycardia/High Blood Pressure (8 of 13); anxiety/fear (5
of 13); headache (5 of 13); seizures/convulsions (2 of 13); sleep disorders (9 of 14). Recent
studies put college students’ nonprescription use of stimulant drugs — Ritalin and
amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine — at rates anywhere between 14 and 38
percent, depending on the type of college and age of student. Main purpose of usage is
enhancing the ability to concentrate and memorize. Most frequent adverse reactions (>10%)
are: psychiatric disorders, insomnia, irritability, decreased appetite, headache, infections.
Conclusions. The prevalence of MPH usage among medical students fits in general statistics.
The primary reason of usage also coincides. Some respondents have not mentioned the
emergence or absence of adverse reactions. This may be due to refusal to answer or
unawareness of the adverse reactions. The literature review revealed that benefic effects of
MPH are observed in individuals with lower ability of concentration/memorization, showing
that the drug is more effective at correcting deficits than “enhancing performance”. In
individuals with good ability of concentration/memorization enhanced motivation has been
observed, although associated with higher incidence of adverse reactions
