Is it normal to use 'study' drugs?

Given your example being Ritalin, I'm going to have to say no. You see, Ritalin isn't really so much an attention drug. There's too many factors to that. What Ritalin is is called a Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor. If the word "Dopamine" sounds sinister, it's probably because you heard it in a DARE session years ago.

Basically, people with ADD or ADHD have a problem in their brains that keeps dopamine from properly activating as much as they need to, so they are actually under-stimulated. Ritalin, aka methylphenidate, prevents the chemical dopamine from leaving the brain tissue so quickly, allowing it to be activated more and longer. Now, in a person with below-average dopamine production or usage, this puts them back up to normal.

In a person who doesn't have this problem, however, Ritalin will, in no small terms, fuck you right up. Studying won't be what you're doing if you're high on your own dopamine, to say the least.

There are other non-prescription drugs that are advertized as helping you to concentrate, and it's said that eating fish is good for helping mental activity due to the essential fatty acids it has in it, so if you really want something to help prepare for that exam, go with those. Their efficacy isn't verified with the FDA, but if you're desperate, they can at least provide moral support.

Never EVER take a prescription for a drug that you're not diagnosed to take. The results can be disastrous. You could die, and that's no joke.

Besides, getting high is a fantastic way to bounce off the walls, not sit and concentrate. I'd recommend a hot drink (cocoa, perhaps?), some light and soft music, a well-lit room, and turning off all your communication devices. Study multiple times in a day in short stretches if you need to; saying "I will read for twenty minutes, then take ten minutes off" is a lot less daunting than "I will read these next five chapters tonight."

I'm seeing this is a few months old but I have some relevant experience if you're still around. I'd agree with the rest of the people who say Ritalin isn't really what you're looking for. Most people I know around here use Adderal, though Ive seen Concerta as well.

I've used both a few times, both for studying and to stay awake at raves when I'm the designated driver. I have quit completely. Adderal is literally a form of speed, its amphetamine salts. One night driving I thought I kept seeing the sign for the same street over and over again and was scared I was trapped in an infinite loop driving on the same road forever. Plus it would stay in my system for so long, I'd end up feeling tweaky after a few hours and end up smoking more weed to bring myself down...

It can be a great aid if you need to get work done fast. But Is it really worth the risk? I know I didn't wanna compromise my mental health, amphetamine psychosis scared the shit out of me. XD

Of course, many drugs such as ritalin/concerta, adderall, ephedrine, caffeine, and in some cases methamphetamine are used to help increase focus during studying and other activities.

@Solophonic: Wow, that was helpful :) i have heard that RITALIN gives headaches and you tend to have difficulty in falling asleep, now you have confirmed that. :) how long is it 'safe' to use it without any potential side effects?

The above post is true, but seriously all you need is a little bit to get concentrated. If you take like 50mg you'll be off the wall, but like 10mg will allow you to study. Just make sure you cut out distractions like TV and cell phone because you'll just want to do that. As long as you control and pace yourself and only do small amounts you'll be fine.

Just be aware that from the 4-6 hour after range you'll be really strung out and moody, your brain will say "I want more but you need to overcome that." Also do it earlier in the day or you'll be rolling around in bed for hours unable to fall asleep, but I used a sleeping pill to counter that.

@1000dogs: thankyou for such a detailed answer. U have mentioned 'other' drugs might be suitable, what are those? I have exams coming up in a week and i really need to boost my learning ability :) caffeine doesnt work for me now.

Caffeine doesnt work for me any more, i've consumed it too often so im looking for an alternative.

I don't know about Ritalin as a study drug, but caffeine gives me the energy I need to carry out an all night study session.

Whatever. You are encouraging to break the law... By advicing people to take psychiatric meds without a prescription,But...since Apparently it is a more and more acceptable behavior nowadays,Have it your own way.