Nurses on Antidepressants?

[ijuanabhappy]

I am not trying to seek any medical advice, just wanting to know if any nurses have subjective or objective knowledge on whether a nurse could function on the job while taking antidepressants. I know this may be a touchy subject but I am not embarrassed to share my situation.

I have been on and off SSRI antidepressants over the years (more off than on!) for anxiety/depression/low self-esteem issues. Actually I do not like the SSRIs because of the side effects. I currently do not take anything. The last medicine I took was Lamictal (not an SSRI) which actually worked pretty well. It was only given to me for depression since I generally have not tolerated the SSRIs, but I am scared to take this again because Lamictal is prescribed for bipolar disorder mainly (and seizures of course). I am not bipolar but I would hate for this to interfere with taking the board exams, etc.

My main concern is mental sharpness on the job. Does anyone know from experience if it is possible to maintain your mental acuity on the job while taking meds like this? Even though off medication I am very Type-A, anxious, a bit insecure, I do like the fact that I am mentally sharp. I don't want meds to dull my brain! If a thread of this sort is not allowed, just let me know and I will remove. Thanks!

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Medications work differently on different people and people have various types of depression and anxiety disorders. Only a qualified physican can tell you which one is best for you. It doesn't matter which ones anyone else takes unless they are closely related to you.

I realize that, and I already have a physician (psychiatrist) that I see. I was just conversating with the other poster on what worked for him.

[Angel@MyTable, RN]

Thanks for creating this thread.

I have been on Zoloft (sertraline) for almost 2 years now, and I have to tell you it is the best thing since sliced bread! I have seasonal affect, and since my early 30's, it had gotten really bad. Also, have PMS baaaad, and SSRI's take the edge off, I don't get that "tightly coiled" feeling inside.

Just recently my medical coverage lapsed, no SSRI's for almost 2 months *YIKES*! I noticed that I was having night terrors and nightmares again (I have some horrible, terrible dreams, I have woken up crying, screaming, and even feeling up the wall). I never really paid attention before until they started coming back! I just went to the doc the other day, and she gave me a 6 week supply of Lexapro.

I know I can never EVER let my self run out of my SSRI's again!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I heard that Lexapro is a more pure form of Celexa? Do you think there is a difference between them? I think I tried both for a very short period of time. I probably did not give it a chance because of feeling tired.

Honestly, I don't know. I have been on Prozac and Zoloft and the Lexapro works best for me because I also suffer(ed) from extreme anxiety and Lexapro has a strong anxiolytic effect.

If they make you tired try taking them at HS. And the fatigue fades after a couple of weeks. Zoloft did that to me. Prozac, in high doses, caused me to gain weight.

Fine. I'll be fat and happy rather than skinny with bleeding fingertips.

:)

[NurseCard, ADN]

I take Celexa and do not function very well on the job without it. However, I have trouble coordinating when to take it because a) I work 3 night shifts a week and b) the Celexa makes me sleepy.

I really just try to take it before I go to bed, once a day... whatever time that might be.

[pinkprincessRN]

i come from a culture that think its crazy for anyone to depend on a pill for mood elevation or decrease anxiety so i was always so embarrassed about taking them....

but to tell u the truth....sometimes, it can be for your benefit.

i can finally have restful sleeps when i take meds for anxiety at night and not go to a hospital not being able to concentrate due to a lack of sleep.

with some antidepressants, initially...the side effects is sleepiness and grogginess...like, u'll sleep for 12 hrs and wake up STILL feeling hired and wanting to sleep more...

but will eventually go away...it can take up to 3 weeks or so for it to wear off...

[RN_in_SC]

A person can think a lot better when not depressed than when depressed. Depression "shuts down" higher functioning of the brain. So, if a person (any person) is clinically depresed - they would function and think better on the RIGHT anti-depressant than on no depressant at all.

When I had my pre-employment physical they did ask what medication I take, but that was confdential between me and the nurse. I don't think HR is allowed to look at your medical records, just know if you passed the UA