RN taking prescription benzo's for sleep

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in COU, Rehab, ICU.

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

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This is an odd question for me. Are you in some kind of program? I think you need to elaborate some. Do you have a valid script for Xanax?

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I'm on 0.5 mg alprazolam (Xanax) TID PRN. I always PRN at least once. I disclose and it's okay that I test positive for benzos because I have a prescription.

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

I used to have a prescription just like Sue's, I used it once a week or so, but never at work. I had found myself wanting something to help me unwind in the evening or to take before flying or going to one of the kids' school functions where there are large crowds and long boring speeches.

Now that I've changed jobs and am happier at work I never renewed the prescription. I've fortunately never had insomnia.

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I to have a script prn 0.5 for anxiety. Do not see why there would be a problem if there is a legal script and a true medical reason for being on it. I only take it when needed, certainly not 3x daily as prescribed. But it is there when I need it.

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I to have a script prn 0.5 for anxiety. Do not see why there would be a problem if there is a legal script and a true medical reason for being on it. I only take it when needed, certainly not 3x daily as prescribed. But it is there when I need it.

I need it a lot.

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:lol2:I hear ya!!! We live a stressful life. Most days 2 at the most, never three. If it were up to me there would be a script for 8x day!!!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
:lol2:I hear ya!!! We live a stressful life. Most days 2 at the most, never three. If it were up to me there would be a script for 8x day!!!!!

No offense, but I find this post concerning. Xanax is processed through the liver, and is habit forming. You develop a tolerance for it, I was informed.

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Specializes in COU, Rehab, ICU.

My doctor has just prescribed me xanax 0.5mg PRN at bedtime. I really don't like taking drugs but I can't sleep at all without it. I have been suffering from the worst case of insomnia, ever. It is ruining my life. It makes me so upset, not to mention exhausted. I finally had an anxiety attack. I felt I had this constant surge of adrenaline flowing through my body. The xanax helps, but I am so afraid of addiction. I have made an appointment with a sleep specialist. I just didn't know if it was even legal for me to be taking this drug at night and then going to work the next morning. I do have a sript but still wasn't sure. Thanks for all the feedback.

BTW, is there anyone else out there suffering from insomnia that has found help?

Thanks!

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Specializes in CTICU.
No offense, but I find this post concerning. Xanax is processed through the liver, and is habit forming. You develop a tolerance for it, I was informed.

Lighten up - it was obviously a joke.

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No offense, but I find this post concerning. Xanax is processed through the liver, and is habit forming. You develop a tolerance for it, I was informed.

Yes, one does develop a tolerance, which is why my NP gives me more than I got 15 years ago when I started on an anxiolytic.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.
btw, is there anyone else out there suffering from insomnia that has found help?

thanks!

:trc:

i've had horrific insomnia for years. did the sleep study, found out i have rls, thankfully no sleep apnea. even with the mirapex i wasn't able to sleep more than 1-1.5 hours at a time.

i've found the most relief with a nice warm relaxing bath before bed. i take 5mg melatonin about 20 minutes before going to bed and have a small fan for white noise. plus i keep the bedroom dark and [color=deepskyblue]cold

my bed is the most comfy...terrific mattress, super soft sheets, fluffy comforter, expensive and well-worth-it pillows.

i took ambien for years with good results, but now my insurance will only pay for the generic and it's terrible. hubby got up one night to find me in a bath with my gown on and no memory of it. plus i was sleep eating...not good!! i've tried restoril and others. xanax works well, but docs don't seem to want to prescribe it over and over :(

oh, and don't drink alcohol before bed!!

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