I tested positive while in recovery now what??

Nurses Recovery

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I could literally scream right now. I'm 6 weeks from being eligible for reinstatement and have tested positive for Benadryl. I'm freaking out. I was sick recently. I had my husband get me stuff, but I specifically told him get non drowsy meds. I haven't had a drug of any type in 2 years. Never had a positive drug screen in two years. I have fully complied with the board with everything. I'm in Louisiana. Can anybody give me any advice?

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OUCH!!! I wish you well but if you were here in Pa. you would be starting the program from day one again. I hope this doesn't happen to you

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Can you get your doctor to write you a script for the Benadryl?

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Texas, you would be doing a redo. They take banned over the counters ad seriously as illicit or abused drugs.

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Try to get a script for Benadryl stat. Not sure if it would help since it's after the fact but it couldn't hurt.

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first, check what you took. see if there is a possiblity of cross reaction. zyrtec makes me sleepy.

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I take Zyrtec all the time and always test on a panel that includes Benadryl. No positive.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

For Benadryl?!? Wow. I've read and supported this forum for years but I am just speechless that Benadryl would make people restart their programs. Wow. I am sorry that you guys have to go through such bull crap.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Why can't you take benadryl? That is so unreasonable.

I care for many revovering addicts who get prn benadryl.

And I have never met a benadryl addict. Can you imagine someone's life getting out of control for their benadryl usage?

Ridiculous.

So sorry you are going through this OP. Reform is necessary.

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first, check what you took. see if there is a possiblity of cross reaction. zyrtec makes me sleepy.

Me too and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when I say it! Unfortunately I found that out after taking it before going to work. I was a zombie. Good thing they trusted my explanation because otherwise I'd probably have been made to work a program. Yikes!

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Zytrec does make people sleepy- it doesn't affect me that way but I have a coworker that reacts that way.

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People can and do abuse Benadryl, but I feel like they could do a level to see the levels. Especially if you took it while sick. I agree that you should contact your doctor and get a script asap if you are able. The cookie cutter program is ridiculous. Like I said, just because it can be abused doesn't mean all of us out there are abusing it if we have a rash or allergies. I myself have risked it before, and taken it with severe allergies and one time hives from my fiberglass Christmas tree. I don't like the sedative effect it gives me but it is the only thing effective for hives and allergies for me. Good luck. If you have to restart due to this, it is total BS.

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