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Students trying out memory pills, drugs to stay in high spirits: Doctors

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Seventeen-year-old Rohan Srivastava has been anxious about his HSC exams for past few weeks. Panic and last-minute jitters prompted him to consult psychiatrists. But he didn't stop there.

The teenager has been taking anti-anxiety medicines apart from popping up memory-booster pills and smoking up before each exam, hoping to be in high spirits.

Rohan's is not an isolated case. Doctors from around the city are coming across students who are resorting to stimulants and high-end drugs to drive away the exam fears.

Senior psychiatrist Harish Shetty said students looking for immediate results try out banned substances as exam season approaches. "One of the drugs available in stores is believed to help people stay awake for long and a memory enhancer."

Experts said while there are many ayurvedic preparations, which promise to help concentration, the demand is shifting to allopathic drugs. What is alarming is students' increasing dependence on charas, ganja and cocaine, which are easily available.

"I have had at least ten students asking for stimulants and medicines for concentration in the last three weeks. Parents often complain about their wards being addicted to drugs during exams. We counsel them and ensure they don't get hooked on to such substances," added Shetty.

Doctors said students take to drugs to run away from reality and feel calmer. "Some even go for cocaine and synthetic drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamines at this time to enhance mood," said senior psychiatrist Kavan Lakdawala.

Chemists across the city too confirmed a surge in demand for certain types of medicines during exam season.

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