use Xanax prn - should the school know?

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 12, 2005

I would disclose it to the school. Your file is confidential and it is better to be safe than sorry. Good luck to you. :)

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2005

It would not be an illegal drug if you have a prescription and are using the drug according to MD orders. As for being bad for you, xanax can be addictive. However, if you and your MD are honest and open with one another and this proves to be the best med for you, then do what the doc says. You don't need a panic attack in school or anywhere else. Personally I would not put it on any school record since it is a prn medication. If, and I do mean IF, a drug screen reveals that you are on a questionable drug then you can get the MD to write a note or whatever. No need in worrying about it now. BTW: drug screens are just that. They do not disclose everything in your system. Usually only narcs and barbiturates are tested for anyway. You have enough to worry about with school. Let this slide.

pricklypear · Aug 12, 2005

The only reason I would advise you to disclose it is because you will probably have a drug screen as part of your admission process. The Xanax will show up in that screen as a benzodiazepine. If you disclose that it is legally prescribed to you, it should be OK. It's better if it's known beforehand that it will show up, and why, than trying to explain it after.

NurseTricia99 · Aug 12, 2005

Thanks for your advice. Honestly, I'm still deciding what to do, but since I do have a prescription for it and use it sparingly, I'm going to quit fretting! I certainly don't want my nursing instructors to think that I cannot handle school; that is my biggest concern about disclosing it. I am aware of Xanax being addictive and am very careful with using it. I'd still like to hear other's opinions.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2005

I would tell them. If you had a drug screen and it shows up... even though you have a legit rx , you may be explaining why you did not diclose this information in the beginning. If you need the medication and use it according to how your doc advises you, your ok. You also have a valid rx to back up why you are taking the med.I take a PRN drug (tranzene) for post-traumatic stress disorder and for clinicaly diagnosed PMS. I just tell them up front so there is no mix up later during future drug screens. You dont want them thinkning you are in the habit of hiding information.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2005

I'm sure you are not the only RN student needing Xanax. However, I would DEFINITELY let the school know.

If something shows up on your drug screen, and you don't have it written down, it may be enough reason to not let you in the program. (Even if it is prescribed!)

If you are already in the program, you don't want to be released. I would let them know. If it makes you feel better about the situation, have your Dr. write a letter stating your use of the med, and amount used, etc.

Good luck! :)

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Aug 13, 2005

My advice, and anybody who knows my posting in another similar thread should see how my opinions can change due to this site.

I wouldn't disclose until you have to. Any drug screen lists on the paperwork space for you to fill in prescription drugs. If you disclose THEN, you'll be OK.

Until then, best not to subject yourself to potential biases.

And frankly, until THEN, it's a private matter between you and your DR.

~faith,

Timothy.

fab4fan · Aug 13, 2005

You do not need to disclose that information until you have a drug screen. When you're screened, you're asked if you are taking any medications. At that time, you can tell the nurse/screener what meds you're taking.

I would not, under any circumstances, tell anyone at the school beforehand. As long as you can do your work, it's really none of their business. You're taking a legally prescribed med.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2005

True...for a drug screen is the only reason to disclose this information. There's no reason to just walk up and say, oh btw, I take Xanax.

You do not need to disclose that information until you have a drug screen. When you're screened, you're asked if you are taking any medications. At that time, you can tell the nurse/screener what meds you're taking.
I would not, under any circumstances, tell anyone at the school beforehand. As long as you can do your work, it's really none of their business. You're taking a legally prescribed med.

RENAISSANCE RN · Aug 13, 2005

we don't have any drug screens at school............. I wouldn't disclose unless you knew you were going to take a test... You MD will back you up for why you are taking it.

Nemhain · Aug 14, 2005

My doctor put me on Celexa and Xanax a few years ago for mild panic attacks and to help me sleep at night. I use the Xanax every once in a while when I just absolutely cannot sleep. When I got my health form filled out for nursing school, the nurse said she wasn't going to put the Xanax on there. Is it bad for me to be using this drug? I should have asked her right then and there, but I didn't. Now I'm worried that when I have a drug test at school (which they do randomly), it will come up and look like I'm doing something illegal. Does anyone have a word of advice?

If the day comes that you are drug tested THEN you could disclose what meds you are on. Even if you test positive, you've got a prescription, so there shouldn't be any problem. Besides, I know of soooooo many nurses who are taking narcotics (legally!), so I wouldn't worry too much.