So I am getting ready for bsn nursing school to start in the summer. One of the things that was required was a drug test. I took it without any hesitation, since I do not take any drugs. However, I did messed up before the drug test. Because of all the stress of moving, getting ready for nursing school, and personal life things my mother suggested I take one her lorazepam pill to help me calm down. I took it without hesitation because it a pretty universally used drug.
The part that I messed up at is that I took it before the drug test and it showed up. I obviously have no documentation saying that I have a prescription. So now I am kicking myself in the head and I don't know what to do.
What are the consequences for this? Will I be prevented to start? Are there any legal problems I should worry about? Can I retake it to show I am not an addict or have a problem with drugs? I am thinking of e-mailing my programs director to explain my situation and tell him "I am an idiot, I am not an addict, and I am very sorry. Please don't kick me out". Thoughts?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Mine have had a blurb that it's against federal law to give this medication to anyone other than named on this prescription for class 2-4 scheduled drugs.
Mine have had a blurb that it's against federal law to give this medication to anyone other than named on this prescription for class 2-4 scheduled drugs.
My bottle of TRAMADOL. Maybe it depends on the pharmacy, because I have an Ambien bottle from a different pharmacy that doesn't say it.
Depends on the pharmacy it preprinted in tiny letters on the bottle label they don't use colored stickers at my pharmacy any more
The label on the only controlled substance I have in the house at the moment has the "Federal law" warning in tiny print, black printing on the white label, sideways, that I would never have noticed if I weren't specifically looking for it. The two (!) colored stickers warning me that the medication may make me drowsy, so I should be cautious about driving, etc., are covering up part of the warning.
Mine have had a blurb that it's against federal law to give this medication to anyone other than named on this prescription for class 2-4 scheduled drugs.
People SNORT Wellbutrin for fun?! Now THAT is scurry. Wellbutrin does enough weird stuff when you take it properly.
Ive never heard of people being tested for tricyclics in routine drug screens before. As far as I know it's ill advised, but not illegal, to share rx drugs that are not controlled substances. Heck, even dextromethorphan can be abused. I certainly understand how licensed professionals would be held to a higher standard though.
the med you mention is not controlled and is sold OTC.
XNavyCorpsman is correct and OP needs to own his/her mistake and demonstrate accountability. There is no room in nursing for people who can't read the directions, follow rules, and manage their impulses.
OP,
Make an appointment with your doctor first thing and disclose everything. Respect yourself and others enough to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF before taking care of others.
I just looked at my bottle of Xanax. No such sticker or similar wording anywhere on the label.
I looked at the bottle for a controlled substance I just got filled. There is nothing on the bottle about it being illegal to share a controlled substance. There are plenty of warnings about it may cause drowsiness, don't take with alcohol, etc.
They did include an 8.5x13 piece of paper with 6pt type containing common uses, possible side effect, how to use, cautions, etc. Buried in all that there is the sentence "Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed."
I looked at the bottle for a controlled substance I just got filled. There is nothing on the bottle about it being illegal to share a controlled substance. There are plenty of warnings about it may cause drowsiness, don't take with alcohol, etc.
They did include an 8.5x13 piece of paper with 6pt type containing common uses, possible side effect, how to use, cautions, etc. Buried in all that there is the sentence "Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed."
Eureka! I did find on the label of the prescription "Caution federal lawprohibits the transfer of this drug to" (the space between law and prohibits was missing. The rest of the sentence was cut off.) The type was so tiny, I couldn't read it with my glasses. I had to use a magnifying glass with my prescription reading glasses.
Unless someone were to look specifically for that warning, they would never see it.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
Mine have had a blurb that it's against federal law to give this medication to anyone other than named on this prescription for class 2-4 scheduled drugs.