What pain meds can be taken as a nurse while still providing safe care to patients?

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Hi all,

My question is what pain meds can be taken as a nurse while still providing safe care to patients.

I have been having chronic pain for almost a year now after an injury. My doctor it might be either Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

He wants me to take a low dose amitriptyline at night to help with sleeping. Can I take that and still provide safe care the next day?

Thanks,

rak224

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

That seems to me to be a question that will vary greatly, depending upon the individual. What one person can handle without being cognitively affected, another person could not.

Why not trying taking a first dose on the night before a day off. Then judge as to whether you function well on your day off.

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant which has been found to be effective for some with chronic pain. It is not a CNS depressant, "schedule" drug, or anything like that. Many working nurses are on antidepressants for short or long periods of time and work without any difficulties. Every individual is different and can react unexpectedly to medication, but, unless you have some kind of v. unusual reaction, you shouldn't have any problems or issues with working on amitriptyline.

Starting it the night before a day off is a good idea, of course.

I know of nurses who take anti-anxiety medications before hitting the floor and they practice very safely. If you are ever prescribed a medication that could be perceived by some as "unsafe to practice" under, ask your prescriber to write a letter stating that in his/her opinion, taking X will not interfere with clinical judgment. If you are subjected a random UA, this letter will come in handy. Of course common sense dictates that if you are not mentally alert/safe to provide patient care, don't take it. I also know of nurses who take codiene for chronic pain and they take it while at work....a person becomes acclimated to the medication and it does not produce euphoria, etc. I hope these replies have helped eased your fears.

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