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Discussion

Klonopin ?

So, I have a panic disorder which is controlled with prescribed Klonopin. I only take .5mg at night before bed and I'm happy that something finally worked for it. I suffered with severe panic attacks since I was 12 (I'm 27 and they just found something that works). So I know it's a Benzo, so I'm sure it will show up on the drug screen. My children's pediatrician said they can't deny me into the program because of my panic disorder, but can they deny me because of the Klonopin? When I applied for the program I wasn't on any medication. I applied in November and I was put on it in January. Thanks for any feedback if anyone knows.

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    • Featured Replies

    I had a similar situation where my doctor had given me a prescription for Ativan, which is also a benzo. It was for insomnia. I would take .5 mg before bed when I was going through a period of sleeplessness. So this was not everyday, but only when needed. As soon as I found out that it was a benzo that would show up on a drug screening and possibly complicate my nursing school endeavors, I stopped taking it. I won't touch the stuff now and it's really a shame because it works and helped me through my insomnia when I experienced it. Now, I just put up with sleepless nights.

    People told me that if I have an Rx, it won't be a problem. But I never heard that directly from my school, nor did I care to ask. Fortunately for me, I don't have a panic disorder or depression or some other thing where stopping the med might have made my life unbearable. Not sleeping sometimes really sucks, but...oh well.

    In your situation, you should really inquire because going off your meds would probably not be smart.

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    • Author

    No, going off of my medication would cause some pretty intense effects. I would have to be weaned and stuff, but I really don't want to since I have a severe panic disorder and it helps. I will bring my prescription bottle with me when it comes time for the drug screen just in case.

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    • Experts

    Yes, it is possible you could be denied due to the Klonopin. Not likely as you have a valid script, but depending on the policies of both the school and clinical sites, you could be denied. Remember that even a valid script is not bulletproof insurance: lots of people have valid scripts for the substances they abuse.

    IMO, wait until the next UDS (if any) that you have to take, then declare the medication and provide scripts as necessary.

    As far as whether you should stop taking it, that is something you would have to discuss with your primary care provider, as only he or she can give you medical advice--we cannot.

    Best of luck.

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    • Author

    I just talked with a doctor and he said it is illegal for them to deny me. He is a doctor and takes a benzo for his anxiety. He said I just need to bring my prescription and even a note from my psychiatrist would be sufficient enough. Hospitals cant deny it, he said it's against the law, there is an actual law that protects people with mental illnesses. Thanks for all the responses.

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    You have a script and legitimate reason to be on that med. Your program can't deny you because of it.

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    Yeah, I'm pretty sure that if you have a valid prescription that is treating a medical illness, they can not deny you for taking a medication.

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    • Experts

    They usually will ask you to list any prescription and OTC meds you are taking before submitting your drug screen. As long as you have a valid script, you shouldn't be denied admission. The only way you would fail is if you're abusing your meds. E.g. you're prescribed a certain dose, but they find much higher levels in your system. And, of course, if they find other illicit or narcotic drugs.

    I would definitely talk about this with your program coordinator prior to taking your drug screen.

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    • Author

    I just emailed my nursing coordinator. She said she forwarded my email to the head of the nursing program. I'm not worried about illegal drugs or even abusing my meds, thanks for all the replies :)

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    • Experts
    I just talked with a doctor and he said it is illegal for them to deny me. He is a doctor and takes a benzo for his anxiety. He said I just need to bring my prescription and even a note from my psychiatrist would be sufficient enough. Hospitals cant deny it, he said it's against the law, there is an actual law that protects people with mental illnesses. Thanks for all the responses.
    I am sure your doctor has his own opinions...however your school can do whatever they wish. This is the reality of nursing. Your school might to be able to deny you on the basis of disability, if you declare it a disability, for mental illness but then the BON CAN deny you the ability to sit for the NCLEX exam on your "fitness" for duty. There are some states that it is mandatory to report if any licensed personnel are seeking any mental health services and an automatic referral to the license monitoring programs.

    I hope your school will consider that this is a nighttime med they won't consider that the med will make you impaired during waking hours.

    I wish you the best.

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