Prescription medication use by emergency department doctors to improve work and academic performance, and to manage stress and anxiety.

Objective: To determine medications used by ED doctors to improve work and academic performance, and to manage stress and anxiety.

Methods: We undertook an online, voluntary, anonymous survey of ACEM fellows and trainees.

Results: One hundred and thirty-nine (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.