“Prescription Medication Use by Emergency Department Doctors to Improve Work and Academic Performance, and to Manage Stress and Anxiety”, 2021-02-02 (; similar):
Objective: To determine medications used by ED doctors to improve work and academic performance, and to manage stress and anxiety.
Method: We undertook an online, voluntary, anonymous survey of ACEM fellows and trainees.
Results: 139 (46.5%) respondents used a medication under examination. Sleep aids included melatonin (19.1% of respondents) and benzodiazepines (8.7%). Medications to improve performance included modafinil (4.7%), pseudoephedrine (2.0%), melatonin (2.0%) and beta blockers (1.3%). Some medications were taken prior to shifts. Medications to manage stress and anxiety included benzodiazepines (3.0%) and beta blockers (2.0%).
Conclusion: Medication use is common and support for some doctors may be required.