Use of Stimulants for Concentration on Sabbath
Question
Is it permissible to take a stimulant, such as Ritalin or Guarana extract, on the Sabbath? Is this considered medicine, or is it 'food for the healthy'?
Answer
Greetings,
It cannot be called 'food for the healthy', as one does not consume them for pleasure. Rather, they’re only used for medicinal purposes.
However, there are situations where lack of concentration causes significant difficulty and distress, and then it is permissible, since the patient acquires the status of a sick person.
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