The chart lays out the pros and cons of eight drugs that it says can “boost your cognitive output.” Included on the list is Adderall, the drug for ADHD that is being widely abused by young people these days.

So, what does Wired have to say about Adderall?

Thought to optimize levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing concentration and turning mundane tasks into wondrous ones. Often prescribed to ADHD patients (wink, wink).

Adderall has been called “college crack” — the new and improved Red Bull for late-night study sessions. Some doctors have even prescribed it for weight loss.

I guess it should come as no surprise, then, that when searching the Web for comparisons of Adderall and Ritalin, this is one of the first online discussions that pops up:

Ive been using adderall a few times (i dont have ADHD or anything, just to have fun without alcohol at private parties). I realy liked the social effects the drug gave me, will I feel basicly the same thing if I use Ritalin? Cos i cant find any adderall, only a bunch of people selling ritalin.

One response:

adderall is better but ritalin is still very good but you should snort the ritalin seriously ask every one snorting ritalin is Way better than just swallowing it … yep yep take the ritalin don’t be like ‘no I want adderall not ritalin’ don’t worry about it you will like ritalin just as much

The trivialization of Adderall and its possible side effects — by national publications like Wired, and even by some doctors — is highly irresponsible. Adderall is becoming more popular with abusers than Ritalin ever was. It’s a drug that carries real risks, and as such, should never be taken as a recreational drug. It’s habit-forming and can promote dependency among abusers.

I would argue that it is also irresponsible to prescribe it for weight loss; how about prescribing eating less instead?

In terms of treating ADHD, it’s most common legitimate use, Adderall is an amphetamine that affects brain chemicals and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is an alternative to Ritalin, a methylplenidate and still the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD in children and adults.

Since reactions to the drugs we take are different for every individual, doctors often use Adderall as a Plan B when Ritalin is not effective, or vice versa. Looking at studies online, this comparison by Dr. Marc D. Schwartz found Adderall more effective for adult ADD. Another found Adderall slightly more effective in treating teenagers.

The improper use of Adderall can cause heart problems, liver problems. Some people are allergic to it. And it can have dangerous interactions with other drugs. The Heath Ledger tragedy should tell us all we need to know about the risks of taking multiple drugs without fully understanding how they interact.

Adderall is for ADHD. If you’re looking to lose weight, try diet and exercise — please.

According to a Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse report, the percentage of college students abusing prescription drugs has increased dramatically over the past two decades … Heidi Cuda, the regional director for Iowa City, Iowa’s Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse, named Adderall and Ritalin as two prescription drugs commonly abused by students. The number of students taking these drugs increased 93 percent from 1993 to 2005…

“They are stimulants; they give you confidence and make you more alert,” she said. “People take them to stay up longer, but they usually crash, bringing their energy level lower than when they started.”

Jane Caton, an addiction counselor in chemical-dependency services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said the crash often comes at bad times for some students. “College students I’ve helped told me that people have fallen asleep during finals, probably the final they took the pills to stay up for,” she said…

The addiction center reported that these drugs are easily found on the Internet, but they are also available with a prescription from a physician, said Iowa City police Sgt. Troy Kelsay. Still, others may purchase drugs from people who have a valid prescription, he said.

We strongly encourage college students to avoid Internet pharmacies that allow them to order drugs without a valid prescription from a doctor. It’s simply not worth the risk that you’ll receive tainted drugs.

Please always use the eDrugSearch.com Five Tips when ordering online.