Afraid to take prescribed meds?

Jolie, BSN · Jan 30, 2005

I understand your concern, and can't say that it's unjustified. Some employers go on witch hunts when there are questions regarding controlled substances, and employees can become scapegoats.

But, you were prescribed that medication for a reason, and I am equally concerned that not taking it may have negative consequences as well. Please go back to your provider and discuss your concerns with him/her. Maybe there is a suitable alternative, or maybe you would benefit from some stress management counseling.

Good luck to you!

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jan 31, 2005

I have an Rx for diazepam, but I'm afraid to use it.
I am interviewing right now and I'm up for several good jobs.
You always have to be drug-screened.
Yes, I have a prescription for the medicine, but if people know that you take or have taken any benzodiazepine, I'm afraid if there is an error on the narc count I will be the first person to get "looked at."
If you know what I mean.....
I haven't taken any diazepam for about two months now, because I'm afraid it will cause problems for me later.
Does anyone else feel the same way?

I take Ativan and when I applied for my last two jobs I gave them this info when I went for the pre-employment drug screen. Never heard another word about it. I do know that one of our nurses is on several narcotics and she didn't tell them before her drug screen. All they did was ask to see the prescription bottles and then everything was ok. I wouldn't worry about it. They could do a random drug screen after you start working there and then you might have more to explain. I'd go ahead, take it and be up front about it. Many, many people are on anti-anxiety meds.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jan 31, 2005

Absolutely, go ahead and take your meds. As long as you have a valid prescription, there is not a whole lot that can be said about it. As far as looking "suspicious" in an off count - YOU have a RX, why would you need to steal it?

Blackcat99 · Jan 31, 2005

I sure wish I would have taken my codeine cough syrup the night before my interview. I had just gotten a prescription of codeine cough syrup from my doctor a day before my interview( for bronchitis). I didn't take it because I knew they would be taking a drug screen on me the next day. So instead of taking it I coughed constantly during the interview. I was sure they wouldn't hire me thinking I was going to die soon from my "hacking cough". They hired me anyway. :chuckle