To tell or not to tell....??

[Flightless Bird]

Hello,

I have been going back and forth with this issue and am just at a loss of what to do. I am starting the nursing program soon in a few months and have recently been put on Effexor by my pcp. I am taking it to control my IBS not for depression. However I know this med is usually for depression or anxiety. I filled out my physical paperwork prior to being put on this med and everything hads been turned in. Now, should I update my school on this or not even bother? I don't want them to think I'm psychologically unfit for the program. Advice please?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Generally, it's best not to say anything at all, especially since you were prescribed the Effexor AFTER you turned your papers in. It's nobody's business anyway, even if you had been given the drug for depression. Don't borrow trouble.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Never lie ... but I see no reason to add the new information unless you are asked to do keep that information updated. Don't go looking for trouble if you don't have to.

[CarryThatWeight, BSN]

That's ridiculous. Why would you have to tell anyone you take any medication, unless it's one that shows up on a drug screen? It's no one's business what medication I take, least of all my school or the board.

[Pat_Pat RN]

I wouldn't update the school. That being said, I have horrible anxiety, especially with new situations, so nursing school was very, VERY hard for me. I take Xanax as needed for it. I told my clinical instructors when I started with each of them about my trouble and what steps I took to keep it in check. None of them had any problems with it. I finished school just fine, even got a scholarship that was voted on by the faculty.