RN taking prescription benzo's for sleep

Nurses Recovery

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Is it legal for a RN to take prescription xanax for help with anxiety and sleep? Will I get in trouble for this?

Gosh, I thought that this thread would be a little more supportive! I believe the OP was having problems sleeping, there were a few jokes, and then all of the sudden all heck breaks loose. I started posting on this thread to show support for this person, because I know what they are going through. I am not in recovery, I am not an addict, but I will support anyone that is. My Doctor has prescribed me xanex for a reason, for he is the Doctor. There are times when weeks go by that I don't take it, then there are times that I need it a couple of times a week. But as I said: "My DOCTOR thinks that this is necessary for me." As nurses, we need to be a little bit more understanding and supportive of our sisters and brothers. We know better than this!!!:twocents:

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

People are just giving their opinions, nothing here is a personal attack. The OP asked about xanax and the conversation took off from there.

As far as trusting doctors to do the right thing, many of them just write out a script for what the patient wants. That's why ads for drugs are so successful. When I had my xanax prescription I just asked my doctor and she wrote for what I asked for. Doctors these days hardly have time to do an in depth assessment. I just told my doctor that I needed something to help me relax in the evenings and, presto I had a prescription for xanax TID!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think part of the problem is that this is in the "Recovery" forum. So...the assumption got started (erroneously, I think) that the OP was in recovery for some type of addiction.

Let's keep to the subject at hand about whether a nurse can work while taking Xanax.

Original poster - can we have some clarification if you are in recovery from an addiction issue? If not, I will be glad to move this to the general nursing forum so your answers will be more on target. Thanks everyone.

Specializes in ICU.
Don't dear me, dear.

I have no idea what an addict tells himself. I know that blanket condemnation of prescription medications can hurt people. I've seen it done in AA, back when the earth was till cooling, and schizophrenics were urged to get off of their psychotropics because they were mind-altering. Well, I certainly hope so!

Maybe you learned something new today then, because that is exactly what they tell themselves, along with more things.

Specializes in Trauma/ER, Dialysis (yuck!).
Maybe you learned something new today then, because that is exactly what they tell themselves, along with more things.

Love it...couldn't agree more....that is addictive thought pattern at its best!

Jack...thanks for your input......agree w/you on the etoh is a drug...PERIOD....

Why in the world would anyone even flirt with a substance that has the potential for abuse when they are an addict???? Why? I don't get it....again that's for ME and MY recovery. If an addict can "handle" taking Xanax as prescribed, then more power to em....I cannot imagine me doing that...nor can I imagine me going to the bar and having a "few drinks"....

To the op, I don't think you are in recovery so good luck and I hope you never go down the path allot of us have had to go down!

Maybe you learned something new today then, because that is exactly what they tell themselves, along with more things.

No. I heard people unable to separate what we are discussing, which is medication taken as prescribed, with the issue of addiction and assuming that their experience transcends all.

Specializes in ICU.
No. I heard people unable to separate what we are discussing, which is medication taken as prescribed, with the issue of addiction and assuming that their experience transcends all.

Oh lord. Nevermind.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think the OP has multiple opinions and ideas to take and sort thru. Thanks everyone for your opinions.

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