Controlled drugs and work

[Yellowpolkadot]

After a long drawn out diagnosis process I have been given a controlled drug to lessen symptoms.

DH has suggested declaring it at work (education) just to cover myself. I’m not entirely sure it’s necessary and don’t really want to stroll into my head teachers office and say ‘hey by the way I’m on xyz for such and such’ would it be unreasonable not to tell work and just see how it goes?

How would you approach it all?

Do you need to take it to work with you?

No, they are to be taken twice daily and so will not be needed in the building, I guess DH is just concerned if there are side effects 🤷🏻‍♀️ Or if it effects my ability to do my job 🤷🏻‍♀️

I don't think you need to, but if you want to reassure yourself, you could ask your GP.

I’d contact my union for advice if were you.

I think it depends what it is.
Gabapentin and morphine are both controlled drugs but are very different

Controlled drugs include fairly normal and not dangerous medication. I’ve had pain meds which were controlled but I didn’t think they were particularly strong. DC has methylphenidate (Ritalin) and school allow her to pass it to the teacher herself. I asked the Dr why as her dose is mild, apparently it’s related to the Shipman case and covers anything with abuse potential. I wouldn’t tell my workplace, although it’s low risk. I have taken codeine into a homeless shelter which would be frowned upon but it’s nit controlled despite loads of abuse.

Our company do random testing.
If you are found to have controlled substance in your sample, you need to be able to produce a prescription for it.
In that situation, you would have to declare it only after it showed up in possible testing, so no I wouldn't mention it unless you thought you may be at risk of suffering possible side effects. Especially if they could interfere with your ability to do your job or be fully in control

I agree-if it's likely to make you drowsy for instance, I would mention that that you're on medication that may cause this. No need to specify what medication though.