Rx Adderall for a nurse

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Emergency Room.

During a recent dr. visit, it was recommended that I should be placed on Adderall. I refused because I thought I wouldnt be able to work while taking the medication since it contains amphetamine.

I really do need this medication.

Would I be able to use the prescribed medication and still work as a nurse? Im hesistant to ask anyone at my facility.

Thank you.

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I don't know about all states, but in my state, I've worked in 3 facilities while on adderall. I'm up front about it before I go in for drug testing so it's not a surprise and I make sure I have a full letter from my physician and never fill scripts early. I know I can't function safely as a nurse without it.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

yea, it will probly make you a really good nurse getting things done quickly and efficiently. It does have some pretty severe side effects though such as depression and its very hard to eat while on adderall

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Ah thank you,

Im relieved to hear that.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.
yea, it will probly make you a really good nurse getting things done quickly and efficiently. It does have some pretty severe side effects though such as depression and its very hard to eat while on adderall

Well, I wouldnt be taking it for those reasons. That would be an added bonus.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I went through nursing school and have worked at 2 facilities while taking Adderall. When I went for the physical/drug testing, I needed to show that I was prescribed it when being drug tested. Nursing school required a letter from my doctor detailing why, how long I'd been on it, ect. There have been no issues for me.

Adderall is one of the many tools in my ADD "tool box" that helps me focus, stay on task and get through the mounds of paperwork efficiently. Doing a med pass in LTC with all the meds to pass, tx, interruptions would be quite a challenge without it!

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I functioned much better when I took those types of meds when I worked in the hospital. It's not anyone's business but HR because of the drug test.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

I take it. I just always bring my bottle when I have a drug test. Nobody has ever said anything, and I know several nurses I work with that are on it. Never been a problem.

If anything, i am a better nurse when i'm on it. It does make me a little cranky though, if I get too many interruptions while I'm focused on something. I can usually handle it pretty well though.

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Specializes in ICU.

If a location declines to allow you to work because you take adderall and it shows up on your drug test, because you have a medical reason that can be legitimized by a physician, that can be considered discrimination. fyi

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I sure need this kind of medication. I have a "nervous" self of me. I often get distracted, hard time staying focus. I am forgetful, and hard to remeber things. Sometime I think I am burnt out. exhausted, powerless. What do you think"??????????????????????????

I went through nursing school and have worked at 2 facilities while taking Adderall. When I went for the physical/drug testing, I needed to show that I was prescribed it when being drug tested. Nursing school required a letter from my doctor detailing why, how long I'd been on it, ect. There have been no issues for me.

Adderall is one of the many tools in my ADD "tool box" that helps me focus, stay on task and get through the mounds of paperwork efficiently. Doing a med pass in LTC with all the meds to pass, tx, interruptions would be quite a challenge without it!

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