Ramifications of taking benzo to deal with stress of job?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

All,

Started my first RN job about a month ago and found that I was having severe panic attacks at work and having trouble sleeping at home. My PCP gave me a prescription for Klonopin 0.25mg PRN for anxiety. I have had to take some while at work but I never thought it made me sleepy or was in any way harmful in my job performance. I wondered what would happen if

1. An accident happened at work and I had to take the company required post incident drug test and tested positive for benzos for which I have a valid prescription for?

2. The end of shift narcotic account is "off" and benzo's are missing? I'm not sure if they do a drug test right then but maybe they do and I look like the theif.

Anybody had any experience in this area? I'm sure there are nurses that take Lortab for valid pain(maybe not even while work) but have enough in their system to make a positive drug test.

Thanks,

Specializes in LTC.

I have anxiety and take xanax when needed only under very stressful circumstances...if I don't my performance suffers due to increased heart rate, being all diaphoretic etc. This job is very stressful and I think that if you feel the need for something due to anxiety and it makes you feel better and able to perform your job better...by all means do what you gotta do. Now benzos are very addictive and withdrawal from them is horrible just from common knowledge I'm sure your aware of that...so I only take when absolutely needed. Your not the only one, trust me there's nothing worse than some days going into work with your stomach hurting and driving there in complete panic(one example for me). As long as you have a prescription you have no worries what so ever...they can't hold that against you.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I'm interested to hear comments about this as well. I take Ativan occasionally for panic attacks as well, started in nursing school. I also wanted to let you know you're not alone :)

Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
I'm interested to hear comments about this as well. I take Ativan occasionally for panic attacks as well, started in nursing school. I also wanted to let you know you're not alone :)

One of the most eye-opening experiences of my return to school when I decided to change careers was during a class in sociology.

The professor asked, "How many people are on mood stabilizers or other psych medications?"

At least a third of the class raised their hands. I was astounded. It made me think back to my first trip through college in 1985. If someone asked the same question in class I am sure no one would have raised their hands, even though someone probably was one some med.

I don't question any individual's choice of doctor prescribed medication, but overall it doesn't seem like people in general have better mental health than they did a generation ago.

If your job is so stressful you need to medicate yourself...

then you need another job!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatric, Hospice.

IMO, taking drugs that alter mood significantly like these benzos do, is working impaired and under the influence. I'm sure places would find that illegal but I'm not going to pretend like I know every states BON laws.

I wouldn't want a nurse taking benzos taking care of me.

I thought it was common practice to not take pain killers/anxiolytics while on the job.. especially when people's lives are involved..

Benzo's scare me in general. I've known too many people personally get completely addicted to these and have horrible withdrawals and ongoing addiction problems. I am also of the mindset that it has gotten out of hand how many people are on meds for anxiety and moods, etc. I'm not trying to dismiss your problem, but I would just be really careful with taking this stuff. Honestly, I would never take something like that and then work. It seems dangerous.

Is there anything else you can do to relieve stress?

First off, I empathize. Expecially for a first year RN, the job can be downright dread-inducing. We ALL wish we could medicate ourselves on some days, even us veterans! :)

Secondly, as much as you'd like to believe it, you are not "anonymous" on any internet forum. It's not too difficult for folks to find out who you are and where you live. I'd be very careful about posting this stuff.

Thirdly, taking any mood altering med outside of antidepressants while on the job, is a road straight to unemployment.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Check with your BON website. In IL,you can't work while taking narcotics, benzos, anti-anxiolytics.

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
Check with your BON website. In IL,you can't work while taking narcotics, benzos, anti-anxiolytics.

Not necessarily so.

Are you referring to this?

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[TD](9) Habitual or excessive use or addiction to

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[TD]alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug that could result in a licensee's inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill or safety.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Surely there is a better choice long-term then benzo's. Can you talk to a professional about how to handle the stress? As for what would happen at work--depends on so many factors. But if a lawyer can prove you were on meds that might affect your thinking then you would have to prove it does not. Our nurse practice act leaves it up to the nurse to know when they are impaired, but the NPA does not protect the nurse who is being treated with a legitimate RX who, working impaired, caused an unsafe patient situation. It all comes down to do you know when you are impaired and are you willing to risk it?

So, here is reality: You can take a prescribed med or work without a prescribed med (same applies you see) if that med or lack there of does not cause you to screw up.

If you screw up, and they find you were taking something not prescribed, or taking too much of something prescribed, or that prescribed med you cannot handle the side effects of --OR-- you have not taken something you were supposed to take, or came to work unable to work due to symptoms you have not treatment for...

You see, you have to be of right mind and body to work - you gotta be there legally. Nuff said.

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