Can taking prescribed medications bite you in the butt?

Nurses General Nursing

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This has been on my mind a lot lately. I'm disabled and take narcotic pain killers as well as benzo's for anxiety. What I'm wondering is if any nurses on here are in my position? If something comes up that requires an investigation, does this situation work against you even though it's something prescribed by your doctor and required for you to work normally in the first place?

Funny because the last person I'd suspect of swiping narcs is the one who's already got a scrip and can get 'em legally (and subsidized).[/quote']

.... because with narcs, probably the script is not the quantity you really want should you become too "attached" to them, silly. j/k.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Funny because the last person I'd suspect of swiping narcs is the one who's already got a scrip and can get 'em legally (and subsidized).[/quote']

Perhaps...but the fact that a person can get them legally doesn't mean they are always using them "legally".

Still, I've seen that sort of witchunt happen. It's not fair to the employee, especially an innocent one.

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Specializes in Army Medic.

Ugh, just a big burden I'd rather not deal with.

What happens if I'm not taking my medications during work shifts - but take them when I get home for relief, or on days off? I'll still pop hot in a UDA, so where does that leave me?

Obviously I don't plan on ever having anything go wrong in my career, but accidents happen - and I don't want to be scrutinized because of a disability.

Things are so much different in the Army - and with all of the gossip threads I see on this forum, it only helps to reaffirm my concerns! Haha.

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Socks, yes I think it is a bit of a weight on you. But, I am sure you don't go around advertising your disabilities, so, you shouldn't worry once at work. Probably it might come up if you should decline doing a physical thing, why would be asked. As far as a drug test goes, just list all of what you've been on for the 3 mo. window. If you've got a script, you should be OK.

The scuttlebutt, and misinformation amongst nurses is huge tho.

One time while in the break room as a student, I was getting a quick drink of water. Some nurses were discussing how bad their allergies had been the last few days. I agreed and mentioned I took a benadryl the night before because I was sneezing so much that day and tired of the runny nose deal while working. I mentioned that it made me thirsty more than usual. A passing nurse said something to the effect that I shouldn't work impaired! LOL! I said, "Honey, this body is not benadryl naive!" Nothing else works for me, script or no.

I notice whenever someone posts about being on antianxiety meds etc. some of the nurses here sound as if they have never popped a drug book. Clearly some have not had need to use any medication themselves yet in their lives. So, I figure that is where a lot of this comes from. One day they all will get an education from thier own personal experience with pain, anxiety, depression, allergies.

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