Anxiety

DalekRN · Jul 3, 2013

Maybe a lower stress nursing job. I have no hx anxiety or anything like that and I feel anxious about work a lot. Even just opening my emails sometimes. You are not alone!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 3, 2013

You can still be a nurse if you take medications for anxiety. Frankly, you'll be far better at it if you aren't so anxious (trust me on this one!). What you can't do is be loopy at work, so the choice of an anxiolytic is important. All of them can be somewhat sedating, but some are longer-acting than others, and can often be taken at bedtime the night before a shift without affecting one's ability to work. As an example, I take 0.5 mg Klonopin QHS and have no trouble waking up or working during the day.....and the relief from anxiety lasts until it's time to take the next night's dose.

Your mileage may vary, of course, and your doctor is the only one qualified to decide which medication to use. Some of the SSRI antidepressants are also good at calming anxiety; these are generally less sedating and have fewer risks than benzodiazepines, and for some they work wonders. Check with your doc. :yes:

sarahswhiteford · Jul 3, 2013

Hey there. I am a pre nursing student who had suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I loathed at the mere thought of taking a medication to ease my anxiety. To me, taking a medication was day I couldn't handle it. And to people with anxiety, the loss of control is our ultimate fear. I began to have panic attacks and knew that if I allowed them to continue soon enough they would control my life. It was at that point I decided to take the medication. I had a panic attack within 5 minutes if taking it but pushed through my angst and about two weeks after taking it I felt so much better. I've had anxiety for so long that I couldn't remember what peace of mind felt like. I am by no means, in any way, trying to give you medical advice. If your anxiety interferes with daily life than I would seeks help in any genre you see fit. The fact that you have taken the steps to help yourself will make you a better nurse. Take heart and find solace in the fact that there are so many people who suffer from anxiety, your not alone!

sarahswhiteford · Jul 3, 2013

I have little to no side effects from my medication (zoloft). It has not changed my personality in any way and from all the research I have done, zoloft wouldn't raise any red flags as far as coming up on a nursing drug test as long as you let them know beforehand

Marshall1 · Jul 4, 2013

Anxiety and I go way back..as well as my companion depression...I have tried every herb known to man, CBT, books, you name..the one area I have resisted has been medication..I have been told I have fibromyalgia..I didn't want to believe any of it..I, like you and many others, didn't/don't want to take medications..even though I know they work for people - yes, there are side effects but I have seen first hand what they can do - positively - for people. Read more of Viva's posts - she is an inspiration and living proof meds work. So, where am I? Starting medication tomorrow actually. I have no choice if I want any semblance of a life..being afraid to go to the store, unable to hold a job, constant headaches, irritable, fatigued..I've had it. I want to feel better and if that means taking a prescription pill daily so be it. I don't expect Nirvana but I do think, in a few weeks, I'll be feeling better and will be kicking myself for waiting so long to take care of myself. I encourage you to not wait years like I have - do something now for yourself. Good luck