Taking diuretic while working 12 hour night shifts

[lindyhoppernurse]

I was just prescribed the diuretic spironolactone to help manage my worsening PCOS symptoms. I've been working 12-hour nights for 3 years and recently started NP school, so I'm having to switch between nights and days more than before. I am scared that I won't get the therapeutic benefit from the med if I change up when I take it (upon waking up) when I go between night shift mode and dayshift mode. I'm also afraid of having to constantly go to the bathroom at work, making my coworkers mad or suspicious. Does anyone have any experience with taking diuretics on nightshift? Any advice would be appreciated!

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Sure...take your med,go to the bathroom ad lib.If anyonecomments tell them you take a diuretic if you like.If not tell them you have a bladder the size of a thimble...Not a big deal.Most of us older women have some issues,you work together for any length of time and you get to know each other intimately.I know when my co-workers are participating in their monthly festival of wretchednes,I know who has IBS and who takes diuretics....I know who ate beans for dinner,Garlic,curry......very intimate

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

Just to let you know, spironolactone has very weak diuretic strength by itself. It was developed to be used together with loop diuretics in attempt to decrease potassium losses, and now used mostly with other diuretics as its anti-ADH actions and leveling potassium losses decrease overall morbidity. Alone, it is almost always used for its anti-androgen and other endocrine actions, like in your case. It is very much unlikely that you will have to run to the restroom every 15 min. all night long, like after Lasix.