Working on Medication

[Unregistered]

Last week I was seen in urgent care because of my migraines. I was prescribed a medication and I've tried not to take it while working but it's hard because sometimes I want to lie down and cry.

Tomorrow I have to go see my neurologist in the morning and we are going to discuss putting me back on a pain management regimine I was on previously that worked very well.

Unfortunately, it consists of two controlled medications and a mild muscle relaxant, one being the medication I was given in urgent care (all part of the same hospital system). I am the lead teacher in my classroom and earlier this week I HAD to take one because the pain became unbearable.

The next day the assistant teacher kind of joked "Are you on your happy pills today?" I don't know if she said that because she saw me take the pill or if I was acting a little off but it scares me.

I know I am safe to be around children, and it doesn't impair me to the point that I'm slurring or staggering (otherwise I wouldn't work while on them) but it obviously has some effect on me. And the effect could just be because it's been a while since I've been on them and my tolerance is low.

I'm wondering if I should tell my boss and/or the parents I'm going on new meds or just leave it alone? What do you think? What would you do? (And quitting isn't an option, either).

[Blackcat31]

Okay, 22 views and no relies...

I am assuming that this is because this was a hot-discussion awhile back....

Anyways, my advice to you is tell your boss IF you are required to per your employment contract AND if you are required to per your doctor's orders.

If your doctor has cleared you to work while taking this medication, then that is something between you and your doctor and you are not required to tell anyone (unless your employee contract says you must).

I would not tell the daycare parents simply because you work in a center and your immediate supervisor is your director not the parents...kwim?

[Cradle2crayons]

Okay, 22 views and no relies...

I am assuming that this is because this was a hot-discussion awhile back....

Anyways, my advice to you is tell your boss IF you are required to per your employment contract AND if you are required to per your doctor's orders.

If your doctor has cleared you to work while taking this medication, then that is something between you and your doctor and you are not required to tell anyone (unless your employee contract says you must).

I would not tell the daycare parents simply because you work in a center and your immediate supervisor is your director not the parents...kwim?

this

DEFINATELY first be sure you aren't required to disclose.

DEFINATELY inform your pain doctor what you do for a living. Be sure he clears you.

DEFINATELY think about starting the meds or changing dosages on a Friday afternoon so the meds level out in your system over the weekend.

As a chronic pain patient (5 yrs and counting), it can be done. As long as you are working very closely with the doctors.

If you have over the top reactions to a med or a dose change, inform your doctor IMMEDIATELY.

[Heidi]

Okay, 22 views and no relies...

I am assuming that this is because this was a hot-discussion awhile back....

Anyways, my advice to you is tell your boss IF you are required to per your employment contract AND if you are required to per your doctor's orders.

If your doctor has cleared you to work while taking this medication, then that is something between you and your doctor and you are not required to tell anyone (unless your employee contract says you must).

I would not tell the daycare parents simply because you work in a center and your immediate supervisor is your director not the parents...kwim?

[SSWonders]

As long as it ISN'T affecting your performance, and you have other people around, then I think it would be ok to leave it alone. The last thing you need is an uproar over the teacher being drugged. I had a similar situation several years ago. For several months I couldn't make it through the day without Vicodin for the pain, until a certain offending female part was removed. I did have other people around though. It was impossible to function with the pain. It wasn't good for anyone including the children.

[Familycare71]

Okay, 22 views and no relies...

I am assuming that this is because this was a hot-discussion awhile back....

Anyways, my advice to you is tell your boss IF you are required to per your employment contract AND if you are required to per your doctor's orders.

If your doctor has cleared you to work while taking this medication, then that is something between you and your doctor and you are not required to tell anyone (unless your employee contract says you must).

I would not tell the daycare parents simply because you work in a center and your immediate supervisor is your director not the parents...kwim?