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#112711 - 11/17/07 12:16 AM how do you tell the boss that I take meds?
picard120 Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 07/10/05
Posts: 763
how do you guys tell the boss that you are on medication? The meds cause my drowsiness not laziness. I work hard, furiously but my meds cause my fatigue near end of the day. I don't want to lose my job.

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#112712 - 11/17/07 12:34 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: picard120]
wildman800 Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 11/09/06
Posts: 2846
Loc: La-USA
I'm required by Federal Law to report the use of all prescription drugs & to produce the Rx bottle, properly labeled.

Some prescibed drugs require a waiver from the USCG in order for me to retain my pilot's license.
_________________________
QMC, USCG (Ret)
The best luck is what you make yourself!

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#112713 - 11/17/07 12:36 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: picard120]
OldBaldGuy Offline
Geezer

Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
Kinda depends on the boss, and the job. My department required that I notify them of all prescription meds I took, so that choice was out of my hands. If you set at a desk, you might be able to get away with a little noddin', but if you operate heavy equipment or something, you might want to think of a career change until you are off the meds...
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#112715 - 11/17/07 12:44 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: wildman800]
technician Offline
Stranger

Registered: 11/15/05
Posts: 23
Loc: S Central Kansas
You might want to talk to your doctor about this. He can either change your prescription to something else, or he can write a letter to your employer that can explain the situation and be placed in your file. My wife has a couple of letters in her file explaining her medical condition, and also because she had a couple of bosses that harassed her until the letters were produced.

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#112726 - 11/17/07 03:20 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: technician]
SwampDonkey Offline
Veteran

Registered: 07/08/07
Posts: 1268
Loc: Northeastern Ontario, Canada
Good advice from technician, get the input/documentation from your doctor first.

In my job I would be required to disclose to my employer anything that may be a safety concern (e.g. being sleepy while driving). I have had injuries before and was reassigned to other duties until the condition was corrected.

Good luck,

Mike

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#112727 - 11/17/07 03:23 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: picard120]
ironraven Offline
Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
With a doctor's note. Pretty hard to argue with, unless the reason for the meds or the meds themselves make you unable to perform your duties.
_________________________
-IronRaven

When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.

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#112742 - 11/17/07 09:18 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: ironraven]
KG2V Offline

Veteran

Registered: 08/19/03
Posts: 1371
Loc: Queens, New York City
In my case, I have a very understanding supervisor. Some of my drugs are listed with the company MD - for instance, right now, I'm on Vicodin fairly regularly (which is why I happen to be up this early - needed a dose) - I have it on record so that if I get pulled on a "random drug test " I don't have a problem.

BTW I've never heard of the company actually DOING a test, but they have reserved the right to do so
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You are what you do when it counts - The Masso
Homepage: http://www.thegallos.com
Blog: http://kg2v.blogspot.com

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#112761 - 11/17/07 05:36 PM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: picard120]
bws48 Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 831
Loc: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
All above is excellent advice.

One of my general rules for work is to not let the boss get blind-sided by something you know but did not tell him.

In my experience as both a boss and worker, it always seems to work out better if the boss knows about something like this up front. If he doesn't, and something happens, then it sounds like an excuse. I've heard most of them, and they seldom ring true when you first hear about it after the fact.

Going in with some documentation (e.g. a letter from the doctor) and saying words to the effect of "hey, I don't think there will be a problem, but thought you should know..." will probably be the best approach.


Good Luck
_________________________
"Better is the enemy of good enough."

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#112766 - 11/17/07 06:28 PM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: bws48]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
Why would the reason for your drowsiness be an excuse? If I was an employer I'd want my employees to be awake at work regardless of what meds they're on. Look for medication that doesn't put you to sleep.
_________________________
Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.
Okay, what’s your point??

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#112779 - 11/18/07 01:05 AM Re: how do you tell the boss that I take meds? [Re: Russ]
hiker1 Offline
Journeyman

Registered: 10/17/07
Posts: 79
Loc: Missouri
In the public sector, I have found that the American Disabilities Act has helped provide some protection for workers with medical conditions. Whether the ADA actually covers a situation or not, just bringing up the ADA in conversation can get results.

In some cases, employers are required to accommodate one's medical condition with special equipment or making changes to the work environment. I'm sure its a more persnickty problem in private enterprise.

Your medical condition should remain as private as you wish it to be; but keep in mind that if your medication affects your job performance, the boss will only see a job performance problem. Most good bosses will accommodate medical conditions and daily meds to keep productive experienced employees.

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