do employers care if you are on xanax?

CathyLew · Apr 24, 2011

with a prescription of course. thank you :)

with the way most hospitals treat you.... chances are they are the reason your on Xanax!

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

I'm not having a drug screen. But my doctor wrote it down on my physical as one of the medications I take. Meanwhile I have only ever taken 2 in my life. I have anxiety so I actually have anxiety about taking pills so I'm scared to take them. So about 6 months ago he gave me an rx for it for anxiety. & now I have anxiety about this! I don't know what they will say if anything. Thanks everyone!

Aww... Please find a way to take them that lessens your anxiety about pill taking. If youre anxious, you definitely should take them. GOOD LUCK!

tntrn, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

Drug screens at hospitals must differ greatly from those that pilots and flight attendants are subjected to. They are random, too, and often after a flight has landed (seems like a stupid time to do a drug screen to me: maybe BEFORE the flight would be better if there is reason for suspicion). But the individuals must fill out forms revealing anything and everything they might have ingested, including poppy seed bagels before the results come in.

But then the FAA has very strict rules about what meds pilots can take and still fly. (also a yearly cap on how many hours they can work: hmmm, now there's an idea that nursing should consider)

Oh, and my husband had to go in for a random urine drug screen once when he was on vacation.....now tell me the wisdom in that? Too bad he answered the phone.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

FAA pilots regulations are about as strict as you can possibly get. The FAA will prohibit use of benadryl within 12 hours of flying! The FAA won't even allow the use of most anti-depressants. The FAA doesn't relate to nursing in the least. The only organizations that come close to the strictness of FAA are MSHA and the military. These restrictions are largely related to reaction time.

Nurses do not operate heavy machinery, aircraft, nor weapons that require split second reactions otherwise dozens or hundreds die. Nurses are subject to less regulation than truck drivers or other DOT regulated professions like EMS and Fire.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

FAA pilots regulations are about as strict as you can possibly get. The FAA will prohibit use of benadryl within 12 hours of flying! QUOTE]
For some people it's not a bad idea and that would be regardless of their job. Me, for example. 25 of Benadryl comes with a mandatory nap. It puts me to sleep.....so allowed or not, I cannot take it if I'm going to do anything...including a trip to the grocery store.
I know the FAA is very strict. The DH has over 40 years of their oversite.....I'm just saying that some of their rules and regs could be used by other professionals. The idea of nurses working even one 16 hour shift just scares me. I would not want to be under their care....

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

OP, have you taken your anti-anxiety meds yet? If so, do you find yourself more calm, or do you feel like you need a nap?

I would caution you about taking benzos while working, but that is just my opinion. I can't even take Ibuprofen while working because it makes me so sleepy.

I am SO sorry that you are experiencing so much anxiety. Do you have a counselor that you talk to frequently? I sought the help of a counselor after I started experiencing panic attacks years ago (I was in an MVA and had panic attacks for about a year after the accident). She wrote me a script for Xanax, but I was ON THE FLOOR drooling after taking only half of the dose. I am the type of person that dislikes feeling out of control (unless I am listening to my favorite band at a high decibel level), so I wanted to have a more behavioral approach in my therapy. She taught me some really valuable skills, and I have not had a panic attack in several years.

Hugs to you! I hope things work out and you can get your anxiety under control. It is hard to do.