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Everything You Need to Know About Prescription Stimulants

April 2026
By Mara Grunbaum

Finals are next week. You have a mountain of studying to do. A friend offers you some of the medication they’re prescribed to help them focus. Should you take it?

This choice is all too familiar for many teens. Doctors prescribe stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that makes it hard to concentrate. But some people take these drugs without a doctor’s prescription or take more than prescribed. They think misusing the drug in this way will help them get work done. But that’s not true.

Misusing the medications can cause serious side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, heart problems, and seizures. Over time, you can even become addicted. Plus, taking any prescription drugs without a doctor’s supervision is illegal. It could get you suspended from school or worse. Here’s what to know about prescription stimulants.

Stimulants and Your Brain

Neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers, work differently in the brains of people with ADHD than in those without ADHD. Stimulants are thought to affect the two groups differently too.

BRAIN BASICS

People Without ADHD: Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine help the brain focus, make plans, solve problems, and switch tasks.

People With ADHD: People with ADHD have different natural levels of these neurotransmitters, making it harder for them to prioritize and stay focused on certain kinds of tasks.

WHAT STIMULANTS DO

People Without ADHD: Stimulants increase blood to the brain, temporarily boosting focus. They also cause a surge of dopamine, making a person want to take the drugs again

People With ADHD: Stimulants are thought to balance neurotransmitters in people with ADHD, temporarily improving brain function. Side effects are common and may have to be managed.

LONG-TERM RISKS

People Without ADHD: With repeated use, the brain can become addicted to stimulants. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, like depression and insomnia.

People With ADHD: Doctors are careful when prescribing stimulants and monitor ADHD patients for side effects and dependency. The drugs can become less effective over time.

At some schools, 1 in 4 students have misused prescription stimulants.

Need to Focus? Try This:

Get enough sleep. Rest improves memory and helps you think clearly.

Move your body. Exercise boosts your mood and makes you feel more energized.

Eat well. A balanced diet and regular meals keep your brain running smoothly.

Calm your mind. Deep breathing reduces stress, helping you to focus on the next task.

Get Help

Pressure to succeed in school is a common reason teens abuse prescription stimulants. If you’re stressed about grades, talk to a trusted adult. And if you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to stimulants, consider calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP.


SOURCES: addictioncenter.com, kidshealth.org 

True or False?

Take this quiz to find out.

1

Using stimulants without a prescription can significantly boost your grades.

False! Stimulants might keep you awake to cram for a test, but they don’t improve learning or school performance in people without ADHD. In fact, the loss of sleep can make those things worse over time.
2

Stimulants affect more than your brain.

TRUE! Stimulants affect your whole body. They can speed up your heart rate, causing anxiety, aggression, and even heart attacks in extreme cases. They can also affect digestion, leading to symptoms like stomach pain and nausea.
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