How do you feel about taking PRNs you're no longer prescribed

When there was really no reason you were stopped being prescribed it?
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Like Seroquel. I used to take it PRN for sleep and agitation and for some reason they stopped it and now I can't sleep and am very agitated. Would you feel comfortable taking some leftover in this case? (I can't contact my NP as she is out this week)

I do this once in a blue moon, generally, try not to.

I take prn medications, but they are prescribed. Do you think your NP will get mad at you?


I guess if I did that, I probably would want to check with my pharmacist to make sure it is alright. That's just me. I hope you slept better.

I would, if I thought it was best. At least until my leftovers ran out.

I think it's important to understand why your nurse practitioner felt you should discontinue the med. If you don't know why you stopped the medication, then you probably shouldn't take it again until you clarify the discontinuation reason. For example, if she felt that Seroquel made you suicidal or manic, then you don't want to be taking it.

So long story short, no, I would not take a PRN I'm no longer prescribed if I didn't know the reason behind the discontinuation.

In my non-professional opinion, I think you should wait until your nurse practitioner gets back in the office, or if you cannot wait, ask the office if you can speak to another doctor or nurse practitioner. I'm fairly certain your nurse practitioner has notes that she takes down during or after every session, and so another doctor or nurse practitioner could read those notes for you.

I was taking Seroquel for sleep and because of major side-effects I insisted that I stop taking it. Pdoc wanted me to continue on it. I stopped it, but I couldn't sleep. I couldn't sleep well for many months, nearly a year. Finally I became desperate; I had some Seroquel left in a bottle. So I took a tiny bit (between 12.5 and 25mg) and, of course, got terrific sleep. Today I requested that my pdoc give me a refill. I hate taking the Seroquel, yet I hate not sleeping even more.

I guess what I'm saying is that it all depends upon why you're no longer on a certain med. For me, it was my own choice.
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I just realized I didn't exactly answer the question you've asked. If I didn't know why the medication was no longer prescribed I would be cautious about taking it prn. Of course, it depends upon other meds you're on, too. Since your NP is out this week, ask your pharmacist for their opinion.

I am doing this currently

I do agree on being careful if you don't know why your NP stopped prescribing it. I had implicitly assumed that you were aware of the reasons. Can you temporarily use something else for sleep, like a benzo?

It wasn't even my NP that stopped prescribing it, it was a doc in the hospital who just didn't give it to me because I wasn't taking it very often. I took it yesterday morning and got some sleep and calmed down a bit so that's good but I feel myself ramping back up again.

From what you're describing, it sounds to me like you're better off taking the med that helps you until you can speak with your NP.

I personally don’t take meds unless I’m prescribed them. In your shoes however, I probably would take the Seroquel and then speak to your NP as soon as possible.

I would definitely take a drug that I had leftover. Thes meds are often used in combination with each other so I see no harm. Just don't abuse them.