How do you take your meds when working nights?

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Specializes in LTC.

Ok, so I am a new grad LPN who landed a job a week after getting my license! I accepted a position working three 12's 7p to 7a. I take a fluid pill and bp med and wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the best way to take them? I do not want to be up and down going to the restroom while sleeping, but I know I will convert back to sleeping at night some when I am off.

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Specializes in Triage, Trauma, Ambulatory Care.

I was just wondering the same thing! I am working in a mentored position during my last 3 months of nursing classes. I will be doing two 12 hour 7pm to 7am shifts per week and then switching back to day lecture classes for the rest of the week. I take thyroid meds and lasix. Looking forward to the replies to this topic.

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Maybe ask your doc for some suggestions.... not sure if this borders on medical advice.

I know the dilemma - I take my meds as close to the same time as I can (no diuretics, but just about everything else in the PDR, :D).

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I would time the diuretic to allow for pee breaks when awake and the other meds for effects as necessary and keep the schedule that way. When I was on one bp med, I changed to night time when I read about the recommendation that came out last October to take bp meds at night. Now that I take bp meds twice daily, that is not a concern. I'm careful to keep my timing far enough away from getting in the car to go to work, so I don't feel "badly" behind the wheel----considerations like that. What I would not do (except for a diuretic) is to switch around all the time. Probably best to have a talk with your doctor about this.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I'd talk to my doctor/GP. You don't have to take them at night.

Perhaps you could take them just b4 work, or on ur break?

Ask ur doc I reckon.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

I take my BP med at the beginning of my shift, since it's the beginning of my "day." On my days off, I still take it around suppertime. That just seems to work for me, your mileage may vary...

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I agree. When I worked nights I just flip-flopped everything in my life so my day began at 5pm. So if I were on a med that was QAM, I would have taken it at Q1700 since my day was just beginning.

However, your doc is the best one to answer that question.

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