To those who used Adderall.....

[grindtime1]

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I’d like to know how you used this for the MCAT. Did you simply take it on the day of the exam or did you try it on some practice tests first?

For someone who wants to use it on the day of the MCAT, would you say it helps to run an “experiment” where you take 5 AAMC practice tests with Adderall, take the other tests without Adderall, and then compare the results?

Is this the way most of you did it? I’m not looking for responses like “only cheaters use Adderall” or anything like that. I haven’t even decided when I’m taking the MCAT or if I’ll even use Adderall because I’m still a freshman, but I’d like to know what everyone else here did.

 

[premedmind]

Adderall or other ADHD medications will do nothing for you if you don't actually have a problem to begin with. If you are looking for it to boost your performance, it's not going to help.

 

[ronaldo23]

Adderall will, at best, help you learn the content. But under a timed test, it will box in your thinking. For the verbal section especially, you will get far too comfortable with adderall during the test, and not think as clearly, when you need to be thinking very deeply and analytically. This is really only attainable by being a little stressed out and anxious.

 

[agp]

Since the human mind can't possible focus on one subject for hours at a time without a break, that's when Adderall comes it. It doesn't make you smarter or boost your performance, it just prevents you from being distracted. On big exams like SAT's, MCAT's, or GRE's, distractions shouldn't really be a concern since your entire future is rested on that few hours.

 

[grindtime1]

The problem with saying it won't boost your performance is that there are far too many people who continue to pay money for it because it actually does help. If it's so useless for people without ADD, why do plenty of normal people take it? I'm just wondering if the people who used it for the actual MCAT tried it for some practice tests first to see if it made any difference.

Say you take 4 AAMC practice tests on Adderall and 4 practice tests without it. Then you compare the results to see if Adderall really does have an effect on your performance.

 

[loveoforganic]

It's psychologically addictive, and you develop a tolerance for it. Don't head down that road.

 

[SunDevilDoc]

I took adderrall a couple of times on practice tests, and I liked it alot, and so I just took half a pill for the mcat. I don't think it really helped my score, but it helped with the endurance part. I never got mentally exhausted, and it felt like it flew by. If I were to take the test again I probably wouldn't take it, but its not really a big deal. Try it on practice tests to see how you feel

 

[buccsmf1]

It's addictive, psychologically and chemically, and you develop a tolerance for it. Don't head down that road.

grossly incorrect in every way imaginable. adderall user for 3 years here... what exactly is your experience with adderall?

But to the OP, "Possessing amphetamines without a medical doctor's prescription is against the law and can result in imprisonment and stiff fines." Never take prescription medication that hasn't been prescribed to you by a doctor. You have no idea how you will react to it or what the side effects might be for you. Oh yea, and it's illegal...

 

[agp]

The problem with saying it won't boost your performance is that there are far too many people who continue to pay money for it because it actually does help. If it's so useless for people without ADD, why do plenty of normal people take it? I'm just wondering if the people who used it for the actual MCAT tried it for some practice tests first to see if it made any difference.

Say you take 4 AAMC practice tests on Adderall and 4 practice tests without it. Then you compare the results to see if Adderall really does have an effect on your performance.

It doesn't boost performance. It just helps you concentrate better. If you want to study, Adderall will help you concentrate on studying. If you don't want to study, Adderall will help you concentrate on staring at a blank wall. And it is psychological as well, similar to many pre-workout supplements - do they help? Yes, but can you depend on it? Absolutely not. It's merely a supplement.

 

[runx]

The day of the MCAT is a perfect opportunity to try a drug that you have never used before! Seriously though, anyone that I know that took it for the test had studied on it as well. Take 10 mg, go to the library and study or do a practice test. Chances are you will know pretty quickly if this drug is going to help you, and you won't need to spend 4 practice tests without to be sure.

EDIT: I have to echo what is said above about legality and safety. Adderall is schedule II for a reason, it has a high abuse potential and can cause CV issues, so consult a physician.

 

[unDRdog]

If you take adderal and dont clinically "need" it, its a lot like affirmative aciton...IMO...I dont want to have to tell myself that i "need an edge/a leg up/ a head start to compete at a competitive level. Whatever...Could it and would it help...probablly. BUT If I cant have the self-command to train myself and perform at a level that warrants an MD w/o "juicing" then the MD is not for me. I ll be damned if i gonna go out like freakin Barry Bonds! HA (again..this is for those who have not been prescribed)

 

[drzing]

if your taking the mcat then you know that taking drugs you dont need is such a bad idea.

dont be dumb, resist the temptation.

 

[loveoforganic]

grossly incorrect in every way imaginable. adderall user for 3 years here... what exactly is your experience with adderall?

But to the OP, "Possessing amphetamines without a medical doctor's prescription is against the law and can result in imprisonment and stiff fines." Never take prescription medication that hasn't been prescribed to you by a doctor. You have no idea how you will react to it or what the side effects might be for you. Oh yea, and it's illegal...

Chemically was incorrect and wasn't the word I was looking for. You caught me before my edit 😎 Three people I know on it (prescribed) have had their doseages increased over time due to decreasing effect. The psychological dependance I was referring to was feeling the inability to concentrate without it (this applies more to the people who use it illegally, as if you're using it legally, you're kind of already in that boat).

 

[dr seuss]

I'm not going to argue for taking it, because we all know that it is wrong ethically.

The people that say it won't help you at all because you don't need it, don't know what they are talking about. It will help your performance on the test the same way that caffeine would -- improving concentration. Part of the reason the verbal is hard is because it is hard to stay focused the whole time.

 

[DrDre2001]

This is simple. Who do you want to be?

Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter?

Kobe Bryant or Lebron James?

 

[unDRdog]

This is simple. Who do you want to be?

Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter?

Kobe Bryant or Lebron James?

friggin awesome!! ---read my previous post

 

[phillips101]

I guess the good thing about med students (or pre-meds) taking adderrall is that after they become doctors, they can prescribe THEMSELVES adderrall and it won't be illegal anymore 🙂

 

[SunDevilDoc]

If you take adderal and dont clinically "need" it, its a lot like affirmative aciton...IMO...I dont want to have to tell myself that i "need an edge/a leg up/ a head start to compete at a competitive level. Whatever...Could it and would it help...probablly. BUT If I cant have the self-command to train myself and perform at a level that warrants an MD w/o "juicing" then the MD is not for me. I ll be damned if i gonna go out like freakin Barry Bonds! HA (again..this is for those who have not been prescribed)

Not like that at all actually

 

[unDRdog]

Not like that at all actually

lol

 

[229141]

Adderall or other ADHD medications will do nothing for you if you don't actually have a problem to begin with. If you are looking for it to boost your performance, it's not going to help.

Not trying to argue but this is not true. Very few people prescribed adderall have true ADHD.

Adderall is amphetamines...it will absolutely increase your ability regardless if you have a problem. I don't take it cause I don't abuse pharms and I don't like the jitters, but my friends on it do exceptionally better when taking it.

I haven't tried it..but from the way you talk about it maybe you haven't either? Dunno...don't do drugs dog

 

[229141]

I'm not going to argue for taking it, because we all know that it is wrong ethically.

The people that say it won't help you at all because you don't need it, don't know what they are talking about. It will help your performance on the test the same way that caffeine would -- improving concentration. Part of the reason the verbal is hard is because it is hard to stay focused the whole time.

How is it ethically wrong? Cause a bunch of non-scientists at the government banned it and say its bad?

lol..government bans weed, steroids, and many USEFUL drugs etc due to ignorant knowledge..yet alcohol is legal. REGARDLESS if its bad or not..people should be able to put anything they want in them..ITS THEIR BODIES. I don't care if some ***** wants to take meth and die..THEIR CHOICE! Lol if anything it's natural selection 😛



As for taking it on the MCAT, I wouldn't touch it personally since I don't like the CV risks and I already have anxiety issues so it'd be worthless. But if some kid beat me on the mcat cause he was willing to take adderall and I wasn't...so be it. Nothing ethically wrong with that

 

[ThirdEye]

Do what you want... just watch out for dependancy and don't use too much or it will be counterproductive. Also, don't even consider not sleeping!

Me, I'll stick with, sleep, coffee, and carbohydrates when I take the MCAT... then it's off to the strip club.😀

 

[rockaction]

I feel like this has been beat to death so many times but I'll put in my two cents...

If you can't take the MCAT without some "performance-enhancing" drug, what the heck is your problem?

Grow a pair and take the test like everyone else. Maybe I'm bitter cause I've seen peers fly through their notes and rock tests due to adderall, but it's true that it is terribly illegal to take this in the first place without a prescription. Additionally, it's terribly illegal to take this during the MCAT. If they somehow found out, you'd never have a future in medicine.

It IS cheating. There is no way to work around that one. You're coming on here literally asking if anyone has shown if it gives a boost to their score. You don't think that's cheating? Sounds a lot like it to me.

 

[dr seuss]

How is it ethically wrong? Cause a bunch of non-scientists at the government banned it and say its bad?

lol..government bans weed, steroids, and many USEFUL drugs etc due to ignorant knowledge..yet alcohol is legal. REGARDLESS if its bad or not..people should be able to put anything they want in them..ITS THEIR BODIES. I don't care if some ***** wants to take meth and die..THEIR CHOICE! Lol if anything it's natural selection 😛

I didn't mean just taking it is unethical. But how is doing something illegal to gain an advantage over other people on a standardized test ethical? Do you actually believe it is ethical, or are you just arguing that the government should legalize drugs?

 

[EgyptianDoc]

How is it ethically wrong? Cause a bunch of non-scientists at the government banned it and say its bad?

lol..government bans weed, steroids, and many USEFUL drugs etc due to ignorant knowledge..yet alcohol is legal. REGARDLESS if its bad or not..people should be able to put anything they want in them..ITS THEIR BODIES. I don't care if some ***** wants to take meth and die..THEIR CHOICE! Lol if anything it's natural selection 😛

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a future doctor right here. God help us all. Explain to me how illegally taking a prescription drug is not wrong? And to the OP, you can kiss med school goodbye if you are ever caught in possession of a prescription drug without proof of a prescription. It's a felony. Also, man up and grow a pair. Medicine is a profession of ethics and you are an unethical person.

 

[phEight]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a future doctor right here. God help us all. Explain to me how illegally taking a prescription drug is not wrong? And to the OP, you can kiss med school goodbye if you are ever caught in possession of a prescription drug without proof of a prescription. It's a felony. Also, man up and grow a pair. Medicine is a profession of ethics and you are an unethical person.

I fail to see how it's unethical for an educated adult to decide to put something in their own body. It might not be healthy, or the smartest of choices given the possible consequences due to societal rules, but unethical? I don't know about that. What does man'ing up and growing a pair have anything to do with this? It does have something to do with it if someone needs to take adderall to get through this test if they're not prescribed... obviously they should re-consider their career route. I suppose it is unethical in that it's kind of cheating, although I really can't imagine adderall helping THAT much. I wouldn't know though

 

[EgyptianDoc]

I fail to see how it's unethical for an educated adult to decide to put something in their own body. It might not be healthy, or the smartest of choices given the possible consequences due to societal rules, but unethical? I don't know about that. What does man'ing up and growing a pair have anything to do with this?

First of all, just because everyone has free will to do what they want does not make something that is unethical, ethical. If everyone thought like this there would be no need for any regulation at all. Do you not realize that being in possession of a prescription without proof is a felony? It's ILLEGAL. Regardless, if you're going to take sides you shouldn't be encouraging someone to take prescription drugs without a prescription by saying there's nothing wrong with it.

What does man'ing up and growing a pair have anything to do with this?

What is there to get about this? What I mean is he should study hard like everyone else without relying on prescription drugs (unless of course he really does need it). Everyone goes through this and if anything, it'll teach him how to prepare for med school and the USMLE. I guess we differ in viewpoints because I always think of things in terms of what's the right thing to do and what's in the general interest of the person. You guys seem to not care. We are future doctors here!

 

[ohiostatedoc]

First of all, just because everyone has free will to do what they want does not make something that is unethical, ethical. If everyone thought like this there would be no need for any regulation at all. Do you not realize that being in possession of a prescription without proof is a felony? It's ILLEGAL. Regardless, if you're going to take sides you shouldn't be encouraging someone to take prescription drugs without a prescription by saying there's nothing wrong with it.



What is there to get about this? What I mean is he should study hard like everyone else without relying on prescription drugs (unless of course he really does need it). Everyone goes through this and if anything, it'll teach him how to prepare for med school and the USMLE. I guess we differ in viewpoints because I always think of things in terms of what's the right thing to do and what's in the general interest of the person. You guys seem to not care. We are future doctors here!

I totally agree. I may have taken adderall and it was a one time thing prescribed by my doctor...legal.....I used it the day before my ochem final. All it did for me was it made me stay up the whole night and concentrate. Like, I wasn't fatigued at all, I really felt normal even though i was studying 11 hours straight. So it does help with your endurance.

However the complications I recieved afterwards were awful. I had a really jumpy heart rate for a week. I had lost an urge to sleep for three days ( I could only sleep for small blocks of tme). Digestive issues....I also felt an unusual level of calm. So I think taking this drug may reduce your adreniline. Even though it sucks, I think we all need that " oh s***" moment to wake us up and if you don't get that during the test, I think it could drastically mess up your score.

I would never take this during a test like the mcat...dude look up some natural herbs or something. Try ginseng, I've seen old threads talk about all that crap. Some even swear by it.

 

[phEight]

First of all, just because everyone has free will to do what they want does not make something that is unethical, ethical. If everyone thought like this there would be no need for any regulation at all. Do you not realize that being in possession of a prescription without proof is a felony? It's ILLEGAL. Regardless, if you're going to take sides you shouldn't be encouraging someone to take prescription drugs without a prescription by saying there's nothing wrong with it.



What is there to get about this? What I mean is he should study hard like everyone else without relying on prescription drugs (unless of course he really does need it). Everyone goes through this and if anything, it'll teach him how to prepare for med school and the USMLE. I guess we differ in viewpoints because I always think of things in terms of what's the right thing to do and what's in the general interest of the person. You guys seem to not care. We are future doctors here!

I'm not encouraging anyone to take prescription medicine when they are not prescribed. I'm talking about this on a lot more general basis, which you don't seem to be picking up on. You somehow tie in legality with ethics, and I personally feel the two are not related. Laws differ if you walk to another piece of rock on this same Earth. Again, I pointed out that it's not intelligent of someone, because of possible societal consequences, but just because something is illegal doesn't all of a sudden make it the worst thing in the world. I also said that I can understand why one would think it's unethical because it can be somewhat cheating, and taking an unfair advantage. I have a feeling you still won't really understand what I'm trying to say, and will again mistaken this as encouragement of taking non-prescribed prescription drugs, but let me just tell you that's not what I'm intending to say.

The guy who you were replying to clearly stated he didn't plan on taking adderall, which is why I asked what the "grow a pair" had anything to do with anything. You're right people should not rely on prescrption drugs to get them through these tests because they will be in for a rude awakening come med school, I'm sure.

Some people made really good point about it having the possibility of becoming psychologically addicting and that's certainly a good reason to stay away from using such drugs. If you start going down that road of feeling you can't function without something, it's all down hill from there.

 

[EgyptianDoc]

I'm not encouraging anyone to take prescription medicine when they are not prescribed.

Well I'm glad we are on the same page on that.

I'm talking about this on a lot more general basis, which you don't seem to be picking up on. You somehow tie in legality with ethics, and I personally feel the two are not related. Laws differ if you walk to another piece of rock on this same Earth.

Ok, so you personally feel this way. I beg to differ but we are both right in a way. However, we are not talking about "another piece of rock on this same Earth." We are talking about the United States of America where there are laws to abide by.

Again, I pointed out that it's not intelligent of someone, because of possible societal consequences, but just because something is illegal doesn't all of a sudden make it the worst thing in the world.

Source: http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

"Adderall is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. You should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart."

...not to mention a long list of other side effects. So, it's something serious to consider and it's regulated for a reason.

I also said that I can understand why one would think it's unethical because it can be somewhat cheating, and taking an unfair advantage. I have a feeling you still won't really understand what I'm trying to say, and will again mistaken this as encouragement of taking non-prescribed prescription drugs, but let me just tell you that's not what I'm intending to say.

Ok, I agree. The unfairness involved makes it unethical.

The guy who you were replying to clearly stated he didn't plan on taking adderall, which is why I asked what the "grow a pair" had anything to do with anything. You're right people should not rely on prescrption drugs to get them through these tests because they will be in for a rude awakening come med school, I'm sure.

Ok, I guess I need to work on my verbal skills 🙂

Some people made really good point about it having the possibility of becoming psychologically addicting and that's certainly a good reason to stay away from using such drugs. If you start going down that road of feeling you can't function without something, it's all down hill from there.

The End

So to sum this **** up, it's just not worth it (OP), just drink some coffee instead. Your adrenaline level will be ridiculously high anyways (if you are normal) so you won't have to worry about being alert.

 

[agp]

How is it ethically wrong? Cause a bunch of non-scientists at the government banned it and say its bad?

lol..government bans weed, steroids, and many USEFUL drugs etc due to ignorant knowledge..yet alcohol is legal. REGARDLESS if its bad or not..people should be able to put anything they want in them..ITS THEIR BODIES. I don't care if some ***** wants to take meth and die..THEIR CHOICE! Lol if anything it's natural selection 😛



As for taking it on the MCAT, I wouldn't touch it personally since I don't like the CV risks and I already have anxiety issues so it'd be worthless. But if some kid beat me on the mcat cause he was willing to take adderall and I wasn't...so be it. Nothing ethically wrong with that

True story: I found a purse in the parking lot by my dorm a while ago, and the purse had this girl's ID and credit cards, and everything else. I messaged her on Facebook and told her that I have her purse, and I can bring it to her, or she could pick it up. Three hours later two cops showed up at my door and took me in the station for questioning. They said that a purse was reported stolen and I was a suspect.

This is one of the case when you think that people can't possibly get more ignorant... Your comment is another case.
I'm sure the government is ignorant compared to you.

 

[pdeco1]

I always get a good laugh at the responses in these threads.

You guys are hilarious!

 

[Red Leader]

Wow I gotta call troll on this one. This is sad, you're going to use drugs instead of your own abilities and hard work to try and do well. Thanks bud, you just motivated me to study my ass off (no "aids" needed) and take your spot in med school.

Those who said this is not wrong are in denial and probably did this kind of thing in the past or are still doing it. Cheating their way through life, ****ing pitiful losers.

But hey it's your life, OP do whatever you want, but be prepared for the consequences.

 

[grindtime1]

Like I said, please don't turn this into an ethics debate. All I want are opinions from people who have used it for the MCAT or other long exams. For the record, I've never used Adderall in my life, but MCAT preparation is far more time-consuming and difficult than anything you've done during high school, undergrad, etc. If you believe using Adderall makes you a cheater, cool. Don't use it.

For some reason, there are others who believe that Adderall users somehow don't work as hard and study as much as everyone else. That's obviously not true, which can be proven by asking an Adderall user about his study habits.

Med schools don't care about how you got your scores. They care about what scores you got. If there is a good chance that Adderall can positively affect your performance on one of the most important exams you'll ever take in your entire life, there's nothing wrong with taking it.

Now back to the topic... someone mentioned it could be risky to take it during the MCAT. That's why I suggested trying it on some practice tests first to see the effects it would have.

 

[grindtime1]

I totally agree. I may have taken adderall and it was a one time thing prescribed by my doctor...legal.....I used it the day before my ochem final. All it did for me was it made me stay up the whole night and concentrate. Like, I wasn't fatigued at all, I really felt normal even though i was studying 11 hours straight. So it does help with your endurance.

However the complications I recieved afterwards were awful. I had a really jumpy heart rate for a week. I had lost an urge to sleep for three days ( I could only sleep for small blocks of tme). Digestive issues....I also felt an unusual level of calm. So I think taking this drug may reduce your adreniline. Even though it sucks, I think we all need that " oh s***" moment to wake us up and if you don't get that during the test, I think it could drastically mess up your score.

I would never take this during a test like the mcat...dude look up some natural herbs or something. Try ginseng, I've seen old threads talk about all that crap. Some even swear by it.

There are plenty of people who use it for the MCAT itself, not just for finals cramming. I agree that it depends on the person, which is why it would be dumb to try it for the first time when taking the MCAT but smart to try it on some AAMC tests.

 

[Red Leader]

For some reason, there are others who believe that Adderall users somehow don’t work as hard and study as much as everyone else. That’s obviously not true, which can be proven by asking an Adderall user about his study habits.

Med schools don’t care about how you got your scores. They care about what scores you got. If there is a good chance that Adderall can positively affect your performance on one of the most important exams you’ll ever take in your entire life, there’s nothing wrong with taking it.

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt...

And actually, the smart thing to do is not rely on Adderall, IMO. Again, just my opinion, you're free to do whatever you want.

 

[EgyptianDoc]

There are plenty of people who use it for the MCAT itself, not just for finals cramming. I agree that it depends on the person, which is why it would be dumb to try it for the first time when taking the MCAT but smart to try it on some AAMC tests.

I would love if they started randomly testing students taking the MCAT for this. It would weed them all out and they'd never have a chance at med school. Unfortunately, the system is corrupt in a lot of ways. I bet the same people that take Adderall are the same annoying pre-meds that cheat on exams, cherry-pick teachers to get A's in all their classes, ask upper classmen for old exams, and the list goes on. Don't be a part of this group of pre-med douchebags. Just be yourself, take hard classes with hard teachers, and push yourself to work as hard as you can. You will thank me in med school. Want a good laugh? http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/04/top-5-reasons-t/. These are the people giving pre-meds a bad rep, which is sad.

 

[Vicious Koala]

To the OP: you've gotten a healthy response against the use of adderall and a hint of the pro use. There is a lot of misinformation floating around on both sides. Obviously, many of the posters on this forum watched the anti-drug ad-campaigns of the mid nineties and still think that taking a drug one or a few times will lead to addiction and death. No matter how many moralists you find here talking about illegal and wrong this drug is, you get to decide. That is the beauty of the world we live in.

Now its time for your decision. I totally support someone's choice to use adderall for studying. My friend, SWIM, was in your same boat and decided to take adderall for a test. With the pills he had, he broke them up into smaller dosages and varied the dosages while testing the effects on his study habits. He took all of his practice tests without adderall as to build-up stamina for the test. Then in the last two weeks, he alternated with and without using the drug during practice tests. This allowed him to gauge how he wanted to approach the big day.

This is a happily ever after story: swim made it to med-school and is not taking the drug anymore. Though he probably will for the boards (i wouldn't call that dependence, though).

Any questions PM me.

 

[grindtime1]

I would love if they started randomly testing students taking the MCAT for this. It would weed them all out and they'd never have a chance at med school. Unfortunately, the system is corrupt in a lot of ways. I bet the same people that take Adderall are the same annoying pre-meds that cheat on exams, cherry-pick teachers to get A's in all their classes, ask upper classmen for old exams, and the list goes on. Don't be a part of this group of pre-med douchebags. Just be yourself, take hard classes with hard teachers, and push yourself to work as hard as you can. You will thank me in med school. Want a good laugh? http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/04/top-5-reasons-t/. These are the people giving pre-meds a bad rep, which is sad.

I've never asked a teacher to change a grade, never used an older friend's exam, and so far have never used Adderall in my life.

But like you said, these other premeds have that advantage over those of us who aren't doing whatever it is they do. Again, I've never used Adderall, but I do not blame premeds who do. Just shows you how dedicated they are.

This isn't some high school ACT or final exam, not some test that you can retake over and over again until you get the score you want.

There's a reason for the increase in the number of premeds turning to these types of drugs... and it's because they actually work.

 

[Red Leader]

...Just shows you how dedicated they are.

There's a reason for the increase in the number of premeds turning to these types of drugs... and it's because they actually work.

uhh no, it shows how DESPERATE they are. Can't take the heat with the rest of us, so they resort to drugs like a bunch of tools.

Drug use is increasing because (a) more people want to be doctors and (b) most people can't hack it. So they turn to drugs.

Would you say an Olympian that used performance enhancing drugs is "dedicated?" The Olympics is also a one time thing, then you're done for 4 years man. 10 seconds of your life in that sprint...then 4 YEARS.

Stop justifying this and accept that it is wrong.

 

[grindtime1]

uhh no, it shows how DESPERATE they are. Can't take the heat with the rest of us, so they resort to drugs like a bunch of tools.

Drug use is increasing because (a) more people want to be doctors and (b) most people can't hack it. So they turn to drugs.

Would you say an Olympian that used performance enhancing drugs is "dedicated?" The Olympics is also a one time thing, then you're done for 4 years man. 10 seconds of your life in that sprint...then 4 YEARS.

Stop justifying this and accept that it is wrong.

The difference is that someone who has no chance of getting into med school isn't going to benefit at all from Adderall. He'll still get a poor MCAT score. This drug gives you no more knowledge than what you already know going into the exam.

The people who use it study just as hard as those who choose not to. Whether it's right or wrong, you think these med schools care? They don't ask you what you did to get the 30+. They want to know whether you actually got it or not.

 

[muhali3]

No, if you don't know how to focus for long periods of time without drugs then you shouldn't go into medicine. You can learn how to focus, you don't need drugs to help you. The people that know how to focus deserve a better score than people who don't. The MCAT isn't just a test on knowledge or on how well you study. It also tests your ability to pay attention for a long time; a skill you'll have to learn if you become a physician. Will you take Adderall during the 3+ years of residency to stay attentive during long shifts? I don't think anyone would want a doctor that did that. Also, med schools not knowing that you took Adderall doesn't suddenly make it an ok thing to do.

You're basically saying

"I'm a bad test-taker and I can't pay attention...so I'm going to cheat on the MCAT by using a drug and rationalize my behavior by saying that I study as much as everyone else, and nothing is wrong with it because adcom's won't even know that I took it, so there's no problem with it right?"

Did you expect to post this thread and be encouraged to do it by fellow test-takers who will be competing against people like you?

 

[PharmDonk]

I've been on Adderall for about a year and have stayed at the same dosage level. One of the main reasons you hear about a ton of people abusing this drug and getting addicted etc. is because the typical person with adhd, or thinks they have adhd, are just the type of people that would get addicted to any CII or probably CIII drug.

In my experience, taking it before tests should be avoided especially if you're not used to it. Taking some before something like the MCATS is probably a recipe for disaster. Granted everyone responds differently; I always spend much more time on problems and just don't feel like I'm in optimal test taking mode. I think things through wayyy too much and end up over analyzing everything.

Adderall before timed exam = Bad

Writing papers on adderall = Bad

Using it to study and/or read incredible amounts of boring material = Good

 

[12345a]

this kid is a freshman!

soon he will realize that he doesn't have the chops to make it into medical school, inevitably get a degree in linguistics, and get his real estate license...

good luck

 

[rockaction]

The people who use it study just as hard as those who choose not to.

Complete crap. The whole point of using this drug is to cram. It's for people who slack off until the night before the test and blitz their way to the place that the really dedicated non-users are at. But be aware the effects are fleeting, and very few people retain the information...

Whether it's right or wrong, you think these med schools care? They don't ask you what you did to get the 30+. They want to know whether you actually got it or not.

More crap. If they knew you used adderall to get your score, you would NOT be admitted. It's NOT an "ends justify the means" sort of deal. The whole reason it takes 30 days to score the MCAT is because they spend the time ensuring the integrity of the test was not comprimised by cheaters. If they knew you used adderall, they wouldn't admit you. They take this stuff VERY seriously. You're just lucky they don't test you for it.

It's illegal, but more importantly, the medical community does not advise its use without a prescription. And you're trying to enter the medical community. Don't you think that sounds a bit ridiculous?

 

[229141]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a future doctor right here. God help us all. Explain to me how illegally taking a prescription drug is not wrong? And to the OP, you can kiss med school goodbye if you are ever caught in possession of a prescription drug without proof of a prescription. It's a felony. Also, man up and grow a pair. Medicine is a profession of ethics and you are an unethical person.

You were obviously the kid in high school who told on kids who drank when underage.

Are you also saying no matter what the government tells you, its right? There are some messed up laws man...everyone knows that. You missed the entire point of my post...however you did show everyone your a dickhead

Just let me know why pot is so bad and alcohol isn't? Cause the government told you it is? Right...

 

[229141]

I fail to see how it's unethical for an educated adult to decide to put something in their own body. It might not be healthy, or the smartest of choices given the possible consequences due to societal rules, but unethical? I don't know about that. What does man'ing up and growing a pair have anything to do with this? It does have something to do with it if someone needs to take adderall to get through this test if they're not prescribed... obviously they should re-consider their career route. I suppose it is unethical in that it's kind of cheating, although I really can't imagine adderall helping THAT much. I wouldn't know though

Thank you for actually getting my point unlike that taddle tail Egyptian Doc.

I have never smoked pot in my entire life. I've never done adderall, steroids, or any of that fun stuff. But if other adults choose to, that's their goddamn business and none of mine. If you want to take some risky drug and kill yourself that's your damn business...that was my only point.

So no EgyptianDoc...I am not unethical at all cause I actually follow the law. But if someone chooses to NOT be ethical that is their damn decision and their risk to take...not up to some goodie goodie like you

 

[229141]

]I would love if they started randomly testing students taking the MCAT for this[/B]. It would weed them all out and they'd never have a chance at med school. Unfortunately, the system is corrupt in a lot of ways. I bet the same people that take Adderall are the same annoying pre-meds that cheat on exams, cherry-pick teachers to get A's in all their classes, ask upper classmen for old exams, and the list goes on. Don't be a part of this group of pre-med douchebags. Just be yourself, take hard classes with hard teachers, and push yourself to work as hard as you can. You will thank me in med school. Want a good laugh? http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/04/top-5-reasons-t/. These are the people giving pre-meds a bad rep, which is sad.

Why do you care what other people do? Just worry about yourself dammit stop worrying about what you can't control. In my bodybuilding shows I was probably one of a few guys not on roids...did I bitch about it saying they cheated? Hell no...that's pointless. Some people will ALWAYS find a way to cheat or be dishonest at anything...doctors are absolutely no exception. You can control yourself at least...stop trying to control others. If you're so smart you will beat everyone regardless of what they're doing

 

[229141]

Source: http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

"Adderall is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. You should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart."

...not to mention a long list of other side effects. So, it's something serious to consider and it's regulated for a reason.

I am not arguing this...it absolutely can and will do this. Just realize even Vitamin C has an absolutely ridiculous side effect profile as well. Everything does...toxicity is in the dosage obviously

 

[EgyptianDoc]

Are you also saying no matter what the government tells you, its right? There are some messed up laws man...everyone knows that. You missed the entire point of my post...however you did show everyone your a dickhead

Just let me know why pot is so bad and alcohol isn't? Cause the government told you it is? Right...

Honestly, I can't and won't even argue any of the things you've said. You can't even debate without resorting to name-calling. How immature are you? Taddle tail? Seriously? I haven't heard this since first grade. If you're going to refer to me as a "dickhead" at least learn how to use proper grammar... it's you're (as in you are) not your. How did you pass college English? Also, I never knew giving genuine advice was something bad. For all you know maybe this kid (who's a freshman) will decide not to take Adderall because of what I've said. If you don't make change it's never going to happen. Maybe he won't take my advice but at least I gave him the advice that I would expect from a good doctor. Ultimately, it's his choice to do whatever he wants. If that makes me a "dickhead" then so be it, I'm a "dickhead." Everyone here seems to be echoing my advice though so I have no idea what you are talking about. Also, have some respect. I don't know how anyone around here can take you seriously with how egotistical and unprofessional you are. Also, I am glad that in your "body building shows," you don't do those things. At least you care about yourself.