Do you take any stimulants?

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I was curious as to nursing students and nurses alike, do you take any stimulants other than coffee to stay alert? I was working 2 jobs once and was subsisting off 2 or 3 hrs sleep a nite back 10 yrs ago. It was ephedra based but has since been banned because people were abusing it. This other guy introduced me to a product many years ago that worked but I can't remember if it was called "Uptime" or "Ultra Energy Now". They were herbal based. What do you use?:bugeyes:

I do a Mt. Dew to get quick energy, but if I don't do Dew, I use this 5 hour energy that comes in a bottle. It's like Vit B and some other stuff, with no sugar, and the "same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee" I also take sips of black coffee. Actually, I find sipping on different beverages helps me. I work the nightshift, and sometimes I'll listen to some music or watch a YouTube video (I watch/listen on my Samsung Instinct) for a quick pick me up also.

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Specializes in ICU/PCU/Infusion.
You will get enough sleep and not need pills if you go to sleep and get enough hours in. If you feel like you always need something to stay awake, then you probably need to see a physician to see why.

If I have to get up at 4 or 5:00 a.m., I'm in bed no later than 7:30 pm or 8:00.

You just have to train yourself.

LMAO! I get up at 0415 every morning that I have to work, and go to bed between 10:30 and 11 at night. I don't even get OFF work until usually 8 at night.. how are we supposed to be in bed already? :bugeyes:

I wish!

I drink coffee and diet coke. :)

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Thanks guys for your input. I suppose some good exercise ie. jogging, treadmill, ellipticals might give some energy too. It may help if I reduced my sugar intake. I used to take ephedra too and my adrenals are quite exhausted.

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Thanks guys for your input. I suppose some good exercise ie. jogging, treadmill, ellipticals might give some energy too. It may help if I reduced my sugar intake. I used to take ephedra too and my adrenals are quite exhausted.

I have a doggie that takes me walking twice a day. The walking helps me sleep better when I get off work in the am, and before I catnap, in the evening prior to work.

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Adequate sleep is my suggestion (and diet coke :>>)

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Tab energy drink was my poison of choice!!

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You will get enough sleep and not need pills if you go to sleep and get enough hours in. If you feel like you always need something to stay awake, then you probably need to see a physician to see why.

If I have to get up at 4 or 5:00 a.m., I'm in bed no later than 7:30 pm or 8:00.

You just have to train yourself.

I usually dont get home from work until 8 or 8:30 pm so going to bed right away would be impossible! I need a few hours to wind down and try to eat something cuz I am usually starving when I get home. I am lucky if I make it to bed by 10:30 but its hard with 12-13 hour shifts. I am not a coffee drinker, but I used to drink it occasionally on night shifts around 4am when I was dragging. :bugeyes:

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Specializes in ED.

I've been working only night shift for the past ten years. I drink coffee and water all night, but usually try to stop the coffee around 5am. Then when I go home, I wind down for about an hour and go to bed. I make sure I get at least 6-8 hours sleep at a time (no running around during the day to do errands). If I find myself getting sleepy at work, I keep moving or take 5 and run outside for some fresh air.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Hospice.

No stimulants here. I was a caffeine/chocolate addict for years-I was having 4 or 5 cokes and candy bars a day-but chose to get off of that emotional roller coaster. I also wanted to stop gaining weight. Now I rely on a good night's sleep, exercise, good nutrition, and lots of water.

I use a light therapy box in the morning to raise my energy levels during the fall and winter months too.

And I snack often on nuts with raisins, a cup of yogurt, a piece of fruit, or some baby carrots with hummus. I try to have a snack mid morning and again around 3 or 4 pm.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

Heaven't no! Caffeine is a necessity, but that's it. Every few years you hear how these things are bad, so I'll stick with my coffee and that's it.

I was curious as to nursing students and nurses alike, do you take any stimulants other than coffee to stay alert? I was working 2 jobs once and was subsisting off 2 or 3 hrs sleep a nite back 10 yrs ago. It was ephedra based but has since been banned because people were abusing it. This other guy introduced me to a product many years ago that worked but I can't remember if it was called "Uptime" or "Ultra Energy Now". They were herbal based. What do you use?:bugeyes:
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Specializes in med/sug/onc/geri.

When I worked nights I drank those 'energy drinks' full of caffeine, and sometimes would take herbal diet pills. I think they had ephedra or something in them. Now that I work days, I don't need any of that stuff, just my morning cup of tea or can of diet pepsi.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

I was prescribed Provigil but it really does nothing for me other than upset my stomach. I drink half of a mini bottle of diet Pepsi a night,but other than that, I don't really drink much caffeine.

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