Will ‘smart pills’ make it to campus?

The article investigates the notion of psychostimulants, also nicknamed "smart drugs", entering the British student population. Across the pond the scenario already exists. However, the drugs work in the same way as amphetamines, thus causing much controversy in the eyes of the health industry. I interviewed Manchester-based bioethicists John Harris for his rather unorthodox views on these drugs and their safety.

The article was published in Student Direct on December 7th, 2009 and can also be accessed here:

We’ve all been guilty of the odd Red Bull and ProPlus to boost our problem-solving skills. But what do we turn to when these hailed methods stop working?

Over the pond, a good chunk of American college students are resorting to so-called psychostimulants, which mimic the actions of amphetamine. These drugs are prescribed for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as they help sharpen one’s focus. The most famous example is Ritalin, which has somehow found its way out of this patient group.

Although the use of psychostimulants among British university students remains anecdotal, Manchester-based bioethicist John Harris predicts that this may soon become a reality. Harris would like to see Ritalin legalised and freely prescribed to healthy adults. At the moment, a five-year prison sentence is in store for those in non-medical possession of Ritalin. Harris argues that if Ritalin is safe enough to give to children, it should be safe enough to give to adults. Earlier this year, Harris expressed his views on the website of the esteemed British Medical Journal, causing much media attention. Despite being controversial, it seems Harris’ views are already having an effect; the Home Office has commissioned an enquiry into whether the regulations for the use of psychostimulants should be re-evaluated.

One of the reasons this topic is under hot debate is that psychostimulants, just like amphetamines, are potentially addictive. But why should we restrict their use when we can freely consume other addictive stimulants like nicotine and caffeine? The answer lies in that the vast array of associated side-effects, such as hallucinations and insomnia. Medical experts also warn of detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, including palpitations and blood pressure changes.

Another danger of “smart drugs” is that they will inevitably make us lazier. John Harris, however, disagrees. Harris claims that students that work hard in the first place will be the main consumers of these pills, as being the top of their class is their priority. This clearly bears the risk of dividing the student population into those who take “smart drugs”, and those who choose not to. Harris responds: “Ritalin will create no more of a barrier between students, than that which already exists between those who work hard and those who do not”. Harris emphasises that if cognitive enhancers are to be used off prescription this process must be carefully monitored. In these circumstances, “I wouldn’t mind if my students were taking Ritalin, as it might make them better students,” Harris concludes with a smile.