Known as "Vitamin R" and "R-Ball," Ritalin is being used by students without a prescription to improve concentration and to help them study longer. The drug is generally prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young children.

"People find this drug enticing because they can get their academic work done quicker or do more in a shorter period of time," said Dr. Eric Heiligenstein of the University of Wisconsin. "So for students who have put off work or are not very strong academically, we find some are using it to kind of counteract or remedy their problems."

In addition to college students, new reports indicate a growing trend of Ritalin abuse among younger teens and adults. The trend raises health concerns, since Ritalin can increase a person's heart rate and blood pressure.

"What it means, in rare situations, is the person is put at risk primarily for a cardiac arrhythmia," said Dr. Lawrence Diller, author of "Running on Ritalin." "Then there's irregular beating of the heart -- which can cause sudden death."

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