Should I tell work about frequent loo breaks caused by medication?

[need2go]

I recently started a new job. Everything great so far, but I've become painfully aware of how often I need to use the loo and top up my water bottle - probably around once an hour. This is due to a medication I'm on (high dose of Spironolactone); it is a diuretic so there is a constant cycle of going to the loo and then being thirsty and needing to fill up my water bottle.

While it's not getting in the way of me completing my work - it's the type of job where as long as you met your deadlines, it's fine, we're not chained to our workstations - I do feel a bit awkward about popping off desk so frequently, and don't want it to be seen to be avoiding work or being restless (or have people come up with their own theories about what's going on).

It's also not the kind of thing that gets in the way of meetings - I can "hold it" - but when it comes to tasks I need to focus on, I can get so much more done when I'm not dying for the loo/water/both, so often feels counterproductive just sitting there for appearances' sake instead of doing what I need to do and getting back to the "real" work.

My manager has been very nice so far, but he's not the kind of person I'd feel comfortable having this conversation with; certainly not at this stage!

What's the best way forward with this? Should I let HR know? Do nothing? Swallow my pride and speak to my manager?

Editing to add: I started this medication between my last job and this one, so it's my first time navigating this in a work context.

Maybe ask to speak to occupational health and get it documented?

I wouldn't bother saying anything if its not the sort of job you need to get cover to go pee. If anyone says anything just say yeah its the meds im on make me pee a lot. Its really not a big deal.

I suspect other people aren't as aware of it as you are. If it's an issue (eg. you need to have breaks in meetings) you could raise it with HR or your boss. You wouldn't need to give lots of details. But if there's no issue other than feeling self conscious about how often you're going to the loo, I'd be inclined to not say anything.

It's the sort of thing I'd expect to be documented with HR/line manager on a just in case basis. But if it's not causing problems with you achieving your work in huven deadlines, then who cares?

The work police who like to cause trouble for others.
I would make management or HR aware just to cover yourself.

Thank you.

My last employer cared a lot (way too much) about employees being seen to be working hard. While I was able to play along at the time, it still wasn't a nice environment to be in, and one of the reasons I moved to this company was that they have a reputation for being friendlier and fairer. That said, I guess there's no downside to a quick chat with HR just to cover myself.

Definitely make someone aware @need2go just in case you get some of the more serious side effects further on.

Im sure my nan was on that but she was hold to not drink too much as it stops the tablet working

Thanks again. Will definitely let someone know tomorrow - the HR assigned to me is very approachable, and I also feel like it's easier to address with another woman who is closer to my age (especially one who I'm not sitting next to or reporting to on a daily basis), so will start with her.

@Beachlover1993 that's interesting - my doctor did warn me that being very thirsty was a potential side effect, but didn't say anything about limiting water intake. I'll look into this as I've had more side effects than intended effects so far...

As other people have said let your manager know, HR and occupational health know. Tell them it’s not impacting your work but is just something to make them aware about.