Fake Adderall? Ohio State student dies after campus warning of fentanyl-laced pills
An Ohio State University student died on Thursday, May 5, hours after campus officials warned of the distribution of “fake Adderall pills” containing fentanyl.
Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson said one student died and two others were hospitalized. One of those students was listed in critical condition and the other has been released from the hospital.
Johnson did not mention how the student died, but referenced a message sent to students earlier in the day.
The campus-wide safety message alerted students that ”fake Adderall pills” appeared to be laced with fentanyl were causing overdoses and hospitalizations.
The city of Columbus, where OSU is located, also warned about the fake pills. It provided ways for residents to test their drugs for fentanyl and how to request Narcan, an opioid overdose treatment.
“Please do not use any drugs that are not prescribed for you,” Columbus Public Health said. “If you buy them off the street or get them from someone you know, they can look exactly the same but have fentanyl in them. Fentanyl can and will kill you!”
Adderall is a medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but it’s often used as a “study drug” for college students to help the user “stay awake, focused and study before a big exam,” according to the National Center for Health Research. However, researchers believe the drug does not help academic performance.
The announcement of the student’s death came at the conclusion of final examinations for the semester and days before spring commencement.
Ohio State University encouraged students to be aware drugs they take may contain added elements, which could be harmful.
“Contaminated drugs can result in a severe and unexpected reaction, including death, from only one use,” said Melissa S. Shivers, senior vice president for student life.
This story was originally published May 6, 2022 at 10:04 AM with the headline "Fake Adderall? Ohio State student dies after campus warning of fentanyl-laced pills."