question about prescription meds and working

[RobotNurse]

I have inattentive-type ADD and was prescribed adderall. over the summer i stopped taking it because i got psyched out by reading a bunch of stories online about people getting addicted to it and not realizing it and nearly destroying their lives with it.

the thing is, it *really* helped. like, it made a world of difference for the better for me, and i never got any of the negative things i read about - no erratic mood swings, was never tempted to take more than prescribed, etc.

finding and getting an appointment with an affordable pdoc could take until after new year's (i don't have health insurance, and can't use my old psych because she's in another state) - in the meantime, i want to get back on adderall. when i was taking it before i actually took less than prescribed, so i have some now - but the prescription was filled in July so it's not current.

could this get me in trouble at work - like if i got randomly drug tested, or if a patient falls or i got injured on the job and had to take a drug test? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm really not sure - on one hand it's medication that was legally prescribed to me; on the other hand, the prescription is months old.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

How about going to a family doctor and getting a prescription?

I think since the prescription is months old, it could be a problem for you, if you get tested, since the prescription was for the past, and you would have to have a newer one for it to be official...

[sailornurse]

If you are concerned about cost call a chain pharmacy and ask about cash price. Also call around to family practice clinics and ask for cash price to establish care & for monthly follow up visits because for adderral usually no refills are given you have to be seen monthly. The cash for this is worth not having to worry about it. You know you are not the only adult on ADHD Meds! Advocate for yourself

[dexm]

I agree with Whispera about going to a family doctor. I was diagnosed with ADHD in high school and have been taking Adderall since then, and to this day I have never been treated for it by a psychiatrist. There are a lot of family practice doctors in my area that specialize in or treat ADHD.

If something were to happen and you had to take a drug test you would definitely need a current prescription. I would probably take it anyways because YOLO, but that's probably not the best idea when it comes to protecting your license.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

Yes, you definitely should have an active prescription, both to be sure you are being monitored and dosed appropriately, and to protect you in the case of a drug screen. There is absolutely no problem with you taking a prescribed stimulant on the job, and in fact I would encourage you to take it, if you and your provider feel it helps you with executive function.