Depression and Antidepressants...

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Nov 1, 2004

I think the don't ask don't tell thing applies here. But don't worry, probably half the nurses you see are or have been on antidepressants, me included. We had a thread on this once and it was amazing how many of us were.

Katnip, RN · Nov 1, 2004

I'm starting on antidepressants now. Have been on them before. I know many, many nurses taking them.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 1, 2004

Cyberkat - just wanted to let you know I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers...please take care of yourself.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2004

I have been on Zoloft for 7 years. I've been at my current job for 3 years. Once when I mentioned that I was on antidepressants every nurse around me said "oh me too" . Not to worry ! Good Luck !

akcarmean, LPN · Nov 1, 2004

I agree with the don't know don't tell. If it starts to affect your job then it should be addressed. I have been on antidepressants since 1997. I have gone through CNA classes and worked as a CNA, then I have gone to LPN school and been working, and now I have just been accepted to AIU I am working towards my RN, BSN. You have nothing to worry about. It's nobody's business but you and whoever you want to know. Good Luck Angelia

hypnotic_nurse · Nov 1, 2004

No one has ever asked me what medications I take. And Zoloft does not show up on screens for drugs of abuse, because it is NOT a drug of abuse. You would be surprised how many of your coworkers (doctors, nurses, other staff) take it or something similar.

If hospitals were to kick everyone out who'd ever had a medication for depression, there would be very few people working.

Lasix (for high BP) is the only medication I ever took that affected my job -- cause I had to run to the restroom every half hour!

Dublin37 · Nov 3, 2004

so how do you all like zoloft? What are the side effects? I've been on Effexor with less side effects than some i've taken. Do any of you have panic attacks? That's what i'm concerned with when i start "the program".

NurseFirst · Nov 12, 2004

so how do you all like zoloft? What are the side effects? I've been on Effexor with less side effects than some i've taken. Do any of you have panic attacks? That's what i'm concerned with when i start "the program".

At least that's what I've heard about the amphetamine-like anti-depressant Wellbutrin.

NurseFirst

Birdie RN · Nov 12, 2004

Thankyou for taking good care of yourself. Good luck and GOD bless.

mattsmom81 · Nov 12, 2004

so how do you all like zoloft? What are the side effects? I've been on Effexor with less side effects than some i've taken. Do any of you have panic attacks? That's what i'm concerned with when i start "the program".

I'm interested in the answer to this too. I've been on a low dose of Prozac for years but now I am having more tension/anxiety/panic attacks too and wondering what alternatives there are. I am also concerned which meds for anxiety/depression show up on drug screens because(in my parts) employers look for ANY reason to disqualify a job applicant; particularly if we're older, have had a WC injury, etc..

I know it isn't like this everywhere as I read comments from others on this BB, thank goodness. But I'm careful what personal info I share with coworkers..things have come back at me later to bite me.

Hairstylingnurse · Nov 12, 2004

:) Nurses are human too. There is nothing wrong with a nurse taking care of him or herself. We take care of everyone around us, so why can't we do a little self maintanance. We should proably all be on anti depressants(hee-hee). I know several nurses that are on antidepressants and they are better nurses for it(particularly one I know of). It may be something you need for just a few months or so. Don't beat yourself up, everyone needs diffrent types of help from time to time. Good luck to ya.