Ramifications of taking benzo to deal with stress of job?

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Feb 28, 2012

Come to think of it, Benzos can very definitely impair your thinking.

I was prescribed them prior to having a series of dental surgeries (major dentist phobia). Really didn't like that they made me feel fuzzy.

But anyway, one night after having taken one in preparation for a procedure the following morning, I gave my cat his prednisone. An hour later he was stumbling around barely able to hold himself up. I panicked thinking he was having a stroke and dying. I started crying. That is... until he wobbled over to the dog that he usually avoids like the plague, flopped over on his side, and started playing with and licking her.

Benzo Kitty was happy.

But I still feel awful about it.

Edit to add: moral is, no flipping way someone should take those things before or during work. No way.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Feb 28, 2012

It will make you vulnerable. best to fight some other way to handle the stress. I wish you well.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2012

It was my understanding that benzo's should only be used in the short term ie 2-4 weeks

leslie :-D · Feb 28, 2012

when i was in nsg school, my anxiety was through the roof.

when i went to my pcp, she prescribed antidepressant...

more specific, an ssri - which is indicated for anxiety.

and, it worked wonders within a couple of weeks.

i really wish pcp's would prescribe anxiolytics as a last resort, and not a first one.

op, perhaps you should ask your dr. for a psych consult, and let psychiatrist do what they do best...

or see if your dr will change your klonopin to an ssri.

to me, it seems win/win all around. :twocents:

leslie

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2012

I think most hospitals have specific policies on whether or not you can work when taking medications that can impair you. I know for a fact that my hospital does not allow people to work while taking narcotics. I don't know what their policy on benzos is but I assume if they don't allow you to work on narcotics, they don't allow you to work while on benzos either.

rntim49 · Feb 28, 2012

Not one of these nurses gave advise to actually helps your problem, here is the answer you are looking for. Stop the benzo's at once, Do research beta blockers for anxiety disorder, you have no idea how many nurses and physicians are using them. No mental impairment. good luck to you.

leslie :-D · Feb 28, 2012

Not one of these nurses gave advise to actually helps your problem, here is the answer you are looking for. Stop the benzo's at once, Do research beta blockers for anxiety disorder, you have no idea how many nurses and physicians are using them. No mental impairment. good luck to you.

beta blockers are never first line agents for anxiety.

they can be prescribed to supplement other med(s), but not solely.

besides, you wouldn't prescribe beta blockers to those with normally low bp.

there is lots to consider when suggesting a med.

leslie

rntim49 · Feb 28, 2012

beta blockers are never first line agents for anxiety.
they can be prescribed to supplement other med(s), but not solely.
besides, you wouldn't prescribe beta blockers to those with normally low bp.
there is lots to consider when suggesting a med.
leslie

And physicians can prescribe ssri's that do nothing to help anxiety however claim they will, your being led on by med reps. oh I forgot cognitive therapy, ya that will help during a tachy episode of your heart rate beating 160bpm, numbness and your legs going out from under you, Ha,ha, Or better yet maybe exercise to curb that flight or fight reaction, the OP can make their own decision, and after doing research will learn real quick what works for them. nursing 101 = LBP = no hypertensive meds, that is common sense, You remind me of a text book nursing instructor.

MyUserName,RN · Feb 28, 2012

And physicians can prescribe ssri's that do nothing to help anxiety however claim they will, your being led on by med reps. oh I forgot cognitive therapy, ya that will help during a tachy episode of your heart rate beating 160bpm, numbness and your legs going out from under you, Ha,ha, Or better yet maybe exercise to curb that flight or fight reaction, the OP can make their own decision, and after doing research will learn real quick what works for them. nursing 101 = LBP = no hypertensive meds, that is common sense, You remind me of a text book nursing instructor.

You remind me of someone who thinks their opinion is almighty fact and are offended at anyone who reasonably disagrees with your almighty opinion.

rntim49 · Feb 28, 2012

You remind me of someone who thinks their opinion is almighty fact and are offended at anyone who reasonably disagrees with your almighty opinion.

wrong!! I am someone that has had this disorder for years, end of story. try adding something positive to this thread.

frankie,RN · Feb 28, 2012

Just remember Murphy's law.... Whatever can go wrong, WILL GO WRONG. You don't want to take any chances with your license. Be careful. Maybe you could take time off of take fmla to see why your having trouble with panic attacks. Your patient is at your mercy and totally vulnerable and while at work you are being paid to make their needs your priority. Maybe some people can work 8-12hours @100% with a benzo in their system. Good luck to you.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 28, 2012

The OP came to us for help.

TraumaRUs was correct when she posted the advice to check with one's state BON to find out exactly where the line is drawn as to the use of narcotics and other sedating medications while on the job.

In the meantime, may I suggest that the OP seek out some additional help, either via her employer's EAP or an independent mental health practitioner, to learn better ways to tackle stress head-on, without resorting to medications that only mask the problem without getting at the root causes of the anxiety.