Methylphenidate misuse in South Korea

South Korean authorities have raised alarms regarding the misuse of methylphenidate, an ADHD medication frequently misidentified by students and parents as a ‘study drug’ for academic enhancement. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, alongside other government bodies, launched public awareness campaigns to clarify that the substance is a medical narcotic intended for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, not for improving concentration.

Data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management indicates a significant surge in prescriptions. In the first half of the current year, 58.05 million tablets were prescribed, representing a 12.1% increase from the previous year and a 37.8% increase compared to the first half of 2024.

Usage is notably high among minors, with those aged 19 and under accounting for approximately half of all prescriptions, totaling 28.81 million tablets. Within this demographic, males received significantly more prescriptions (20.9 million) than females (7.91 million).

To address the issue, the government has conducted special inspections, recently identifying 1,733 illegal online posts related to the sale or brokering of the drug. Experts warn that unauthorized consumption can lead to severe side effects, including headaches, anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, and delusional thinking.