Can taking an antidepressant affect getting my license?

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Hi,

General question about nurisng licensure- do they ask what medications you are currently taking? I currently take an antidepressant and already found out that the military can reject you for that- can the state boards also deny me a license because I take an antidepressant?

I will be graduating in August and if I need to stop taking it, then I guess I will stop taking it.

Thanks!

Chandra

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Specializes in Surgical/MedSurg/Oncology/Hospice.
Hi,

General question about nurisng licensure- do they ask what medications you are currently taking? I currently take an antidepressant and already found out that the military can reject you for that- can the state boards also deny me a license because I take an antidepressant?

I will be graduating in August and if I need to stop taking it, then I guess I will stop taking it.

Thanks!

Chandra

If they could deny you, they'll certainly deny me when my time comes, I'm on meds for ADD!:uhoh21:

Seriously though, if you taking a medication prescribed by your physician I doubt they would have a problem with it...besides, it seems like everybody is on/has been on antidepressants at some point.

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

The State shouldn't deny you taking the boards. I doubt they even ask and there's more staff on meds than you can imagine.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Case Management.

Don't worry about it. Fully ninety percent of the nurses I know are on something, antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety and/or anti-psychotics. Honestly!!!! (Myself included!!!)

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you have your prescription..you are good to go...and good luck to you

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Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.
you have your prescription..you are good to go...and good luck to you

Even without a script-it's really none of their business and doesn't show up in the urine.

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State boards don't ask about medications, only about criminal hx. Hospitals drug test but they aren't checking for antidepressants. If you are on anti-anxiety or pain meds you have to prove you have a prescription. A lot of nurses are on anti-fill in the blank durning school so don't worry.

Michelle

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yes correct on both counts kell

maybe i should clarify..i meant she has her prescription, which means..apparently, she actually needs the med, and there was no reason for her to be worried about it either way and to let her know (since she did ask) whether she should stop taking it,, eke

kk

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The military is different...it is weeding out people with medical conditions, not only depression but other conditions that they feel would interfere with the duties.

I was never asked what medicine that I was on when I took my boards. The only time when I was asked anything was before drug testing for the hospital for the drug screen. Your medical history is personal and protected and should not have anything to do with taking the nursing exam or working as long you are physically and mentally able to work. It would be harmful for you to stop taking your medicine.

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Even without a script-it's really none of their business and doesn't show up in the urine.

In my experience TCA is on a lot of routine drug screens. Also a few antidepressants can cause false positives.

To the original poster, I am 99.9 percent sure it will not be an issue. I dont even remember being asked.

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

Unless your on a laundry list of mental health medications. I mean a lot, at that point you probably wouldn't be mentally stable to be a nurse and would be in a psych hospital. Some anti-depressants and some low dose antipsychs shouldn't be a problem. In my opinion it is no worse then a Nurse being on a drug for high blood pressure. As long as you have an RX and don't abuse it and are mentally competent and stable you should have nothing to worry about.

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Specializes in orthopaedics.

please if everyone that was on anti depressants was denied a license there would be an even bigger nursing shortage.

you are taking your medication as prescribed and not abusing there is not problem. ;)

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