30 June 2017
Some Singapore students are reportedly using prescription medication to help with last-minute examination cramming, according to investigative journalism done by the mainstream media recently.
These students range from undergraduates to secondary school students. They are allegedly buying and taking drugs such as modafinil and methylphenidate which can be obtained on online platforms such as Carousell. These drugs are normally prescribed to treat disorders such as excessive daytime sleepiness or conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and they supposedly also boost concentration and memory power.
Observers believe an increasing number of students are misusing these drugs. It can be dangerous to buy these drugs off the streets or over the Internet and to use them without supervision. Side effects of these drugs include heart problems, severe rashes, headaches, irritability, difficulty in breathing and insomnia.
In a joint reply on the drug methylphenidate, the Health Sciences Authority and the Central Narcotics Bureau said medication containing the substance needs to be registered with the HSA, and can be prescribed only by a registered medical practitioner. Anyone who imports or supplies, without prior approval, a health product with methylphenidate may be jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $50,000.
Modafinil, while not a controlled substance, is not registered for use as a therapeutic product here, the HSA noted. It said that, if convicted of unauthorised sales, a person can be fined up to $50,000 and/or jailed up to two years.