‘Exam boost’ drugs that are said to improve cognitive ability are on sale to students for just £2, report shows

  • To get to university, students are choosing to take up study of drugs in large numbers.
  • Students told The Times they were able to get the drugs easily for £2 a pill
  • Survey results showed that 19% of students had admitted using cognition-enhancing drugs.










University students are using study drugs in an attempt to increase exam scores.

The pills can be bought for around £2 each from internet retailers based abroad, an investigation has found.

Only prescriptions are allowed in the UK for’smart drugs.’ These smart drugs were created to treat certain medical conditions. They are now very popular due to their ability to improve cognitive abilities, according research.

The Times heard from students at the London School of Economics, Edinburgh, Nottingham, and Oxford that they could easily obtain the drugs.

Students from Oxford, Edinburgh, Nottingham and the London School of Economics told The Times they were able to obtain the drugs easily

The Times reported that students from Oxford, Edinburgh and Nottingham were able get the drugs very easily.

Sir Anthony Seldon was a former vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham and said that universities should prohibit unauthorised prescription drugs. It’s unfair and it’s an advantage, he said. The long-term consequences are unknown. Students feel pressured to do it, and they can become complacent if they don’t.

Universities UK (representing vice-chancellors) said that it is studying the matter and will issue new guidance.

The Office for Students stated that the situation is ‘worrying.

A survey conducted online by 54 British universities last year found that 19% of respondents had tried cognition enhancements.

An online pharmacy, even one from abroad, must verify with their doctor that the prescribed medication is appropriate for them.

But, Dr Anders Sandberg (49), a philosopher at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute said that he purchased a drug online to conduct research without any checks.

An online survey of students from 54 British universities published last year showed 19 per cent of students had used cognition enhancers

A survey conducted online by students at 54 British universities last year revealed that 19% of them had tried cognition enhancers.

It is claimed that he purchased it through an online European store.

Barbara Sahakian of Cambridge University’s clinical neuropsychology was approached by students following lectures on cognition enhancers.

According to the Times, she said that “someone came up and stated that they didn’t want them but are seeing other people taking them so I don’t feel like I’m going to be disenfranchised.”

They see them passing them through the library. Some people get their prescriptions online. This is dangerous and unsafe. It’s almost like Russian Roulette.

David Taylor is a professor of psychopharmacology from King’s College London. He said, ‘You’re taking a drug which affects your brain’s function without any medical supervision.

While no British university explicitly bans cognition enhancements, Edinburgh says that it prohibits students from using unfair methods in assessment.

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