Sick.. need medicine!

Twoyearnurse · Apr 21, 2018

I've always gotten prescriptions for OTC just in case. It also helped me establish an open and honest relationship with my doctor early on so when I got real sick I didn't feel like I had to suffer before it becoming emergent

Nursealc123 · Apr 21, 2018

Would your monitoring program have any pushback for the OTC meds that you obtained rx's For? IE NyQuil contains alcohol.. I'm sure they would try and get me to take something less "risky" I'm just nervous that it's a weekend, I can't talk to anyone from the program regarding this.. and I wouldn't want to bank on them being okay with whatever rx I can obtain tomorrow and then having it come around and bite me in the ass..

Nursealc123 · Apr 21, 2018

Would your monitoring program have any pushback for the OTC meds that you obtained rx's For? IE NyQuil contains alcohol.. I'm sure they would try and get me to take something less "risky" I'm just nervous that it's a weekend, I can't talk to anyone from the program regarding this.. and I wouldn't want to bank on them being okay with whatever rx I can obtain tomorrow and then having it come around and bite me in the ass..

Persephone Paige, ADN · Apr 21, 2018

I have horrible allergies and in Florida we are allowed to take Zyrtec. I also use a Neti Pot and stick Q-Tips up my nose. LOL I know that sounds horribly dangerous, but they don't go anywhere and they open up my nostrils so I can breathe. I definitely wouldn't tell a patient to do that. I also got myself a Vicks Humidifier, I melt the Vicks vapor rub and put it into the little container on top of the machine. I will say here that I've heard of some people who use a Vicks inhaler of popping positive for Methamphetamines. Unbelievable the stuff we have to worry about... Anyway, I've never had a problems with the Vicks products as long as I don't put them straight up my nose.

There are quite a few 'hacks' that are non troublesome OTC stuff. Hope some of these suggestions help. And I hope you feel better.

Nursealc123 · Apr 21, 2018

Trying Vick's right now to try and make it through the night, thanks!!

Recovering_RN · Apr 21, 2018

If you've got a stuffy nose, try the saline nose sprays. Ridiculous as it is, Afrin is on our list of meds that we can't take without a prescription. Vicks is too I think. I used to think plain saline nose sprays would be worthless, but after trying it I was pleasantly surprised that it does reduce the swelling and let you breathe! And there are plenty of antihistamines that are allowed, like Claritin and Zyrtec.

As far as things that aren't allowed without a prescription, yeah you could use Benadryl if you get a prescription for it. Anything with ephedrine or dextromethorphan needs a prescription. I can't imagine any doctor being willing to prescribe NyQuil though, since it has alcohol in it, I guess you could ask. But I'd be worried they'd do an alcohol level then come back to you and claim that your level was higher than prescribed. You can't just chug that stuff to knock yourself out and sleep through your cold!

I actually did get a script for Benadryl once, but then later decided I didn't want to get on anyone's radar, I didn't want my name mentioned by my case worker in any way, I didn't want them to even know who I was, which would happen if I had to submit the paperwork to prove I had that script. So I didn't use it after all.

elkpark · Apr 22, 2018

I will say here that I've heard of some people who use a Vicks inhaler of popping positive for Methamphetamines. Unbelievable the stuff we have to worry about...

The active ingredient in Vick's inhalers is L-methamphetamine. Don't ask me why it's legal (it's a form that supposedly isn't addictive). Entirely different from the Vapo Rub. They are popular items of abuse -- people break them open, pull out the cotton inside, and soak it in liquid to leach out the L-methamphetamine. (I found this out through a client at work. No personal experience with Vicks inhalers, licit or illicit.)

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2018

This comes close to medical advice so if its against TOS please delete it. If it's a stuffy head that is the problem Try a saline rinse like simply saline or Neilmed bottle. These allow you to clear your sinus with a clear saline that washes away mucus and soothing the nasal lining. For sleep you can melatonin unless that's changed. If it's a cough you are battling go to urgent care and get a script for Tesselon's Pearls. Ginger tea is also a great cold fighter - and don't forget chicken soup.

Hppy

Persephone Paige, ADN · Apr 22, 2018

Since monitoring I have discovered how well natural remedies work. And there aren't the morning hangovers associated with Nyquil and Benadryl. Saline has been wonderful! I wouldn't do Vicks on my body ( which was what I was trying to covey when I mentioned methamphetamine ). I have put the vapor rub in the humidifier far, far away from me.

elkpark · Apr 22, 2018

Since monitoring I have discovered how well natural remedies work. And there aren't the morning hangovers associated with Nyquil and Benadryl. Saline has been wonderful! I wouldn't do Vicks on my body ( which was what I was trying to covey when I mentioned methamphetamine ). I have put the vapor rub in the humidifier far, far away from me.

The Vick's inhalers and Vapor Rub are entirely different formulations. The topical doesn't contain any L-methamphetamine (although I have no idea whether any of the ingredients it does contain would create any problems in testing).

Persephone Paige, ADN · Apr 22, 2018

The Vick's inhalers and Vapor Rub are entirely different formulations. The topical doesn't contain any L-methamphetamine (although I have no idea whether any of the ingredients it does contain would create any problems in testing).

good to know, because it makes a big difference. Thanks