Drug Questions

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 27, 2003

Shoot I only know the drugs that I used to give. The books list ALL the possible side effects etc. For example the Wellbutrin question. The first time I told my doc it gave me tremors I got a puzzled look and the reply that "no one else complains of that."

So either I think *I* am the one who is nuts OR I ask a couple of other people how it affects them. This site has THOUSANDS of possible respondents. And *I* discover that other people had the same reaction I did.

I AM a nurse. Been an RN for 29 years come this Sept. 15 (The day that license arrived). First pharmacology book I had was 1" thick. Last one was 2 1/2" thick and now days no telling. I guess by now they're all on CD? There is no way in hades anyone could know even a percentage of the meds in there.

And boy have I ever had the busy shifts so I understand exactly what you wrote.

susanmary · Mar 27, 2003

Nurses come to this board for a variety of reasons. The main reason I keep coming back is to learn new things. For example, many drugs are used for "off-label" reasons -- it's wonderful to learn from other nurses. I'm glad that nurses have a resource other than drug books, etc -- we have each other. When nurses are seeking knowledge on this board, they find unconditional support and expect advice.

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2003

It's easy to look up drugs online. But then you usually just get statistical info, unless you come across some type of BB that is talking about the effects of drugs (found one in a search about effexor), or find a support group for a specific disease the drug is used for.

I like to hear what my fellow nurses think about the drugs. The personal experiences. The "norm" when they have given it or used it.

For instance, I wasn't aware until reading the thread about phenergan that it had such a wide occurance of confusion when given in the elderly. Same with ambien. As far as I know, that isn't in a drug book anywhere.

And then there are drugs like brething given for preterm labor that aren't "approved" for that use, so the info is very minimal.

I like to interact with other nurses when talking about drugs, simply because it, for me, is much easier to understand that way. When I can hear actual stories about patients adverse reactions, or great results.

Another example is vitamin B6 for morning sickness. Never knew that, and it will benefit me greatly, being an OB nurse.

And I figure "so what" if a non-nursing person comes here to ask about drugs. They may not know that they can do a search and find out. It is also a great way to let them know that as nurses we cannot give medical/drug advice because our liscense doesn't cover it. I don't think many know that. (considering how many preggo's that call me in the middle of the night to ask about taking laxatives or cold medicines, or what they can take while breastfeeding).

It makes me feel good to know that there are people out there who think that nurses ARE great resources.

sjoe · Mar 27, 2003

"is it my imagination, or do there seem to be a high number of drug questions on this forum."

It's your imagination. Check out the titles of a couple hundred threads and you'll find fewer than 5% are about drugs.

cokie · Mar 27, 2003

now i get it. as i said, i was in a very bad mood. should not have posted. once again, please accept my apologies. i do enjoy coming here, and i also learn a lot from everyone. have a great week.......

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 27, 2003

Cokie nothing to apologise for. No question is stupid. A sincere question is always welcomed.

P

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 27, 2003

nothing like EXPERIENCE to learn a few things...like Shandy said, all the experiences w/drugs are NOT found in the books. I don't mind helping out, but never cross the line when it comes to providing info.