What should I do?

So I have a physical coming up for my new job. I’m already nervous because I have two herniated discs but I have to lift 50lbs. But I’m also nervous because I’m supposed to list what medications I’m on. I’m extremely nervous about this because last year when I listed my meds the dr made me get extra clearance from my psychiatrist I felt very discriminated against. I’m most worried about listing haldol. What do you think I should do? Do you think I should list them or just pretend I’m not on any meds? Or maybe just list depakote and lamictal because those could be used for depression? I feel like depression is a less discriminated against dx. I don’t know. I don’t want anything to interfere with the training for this job. If I don’t pass my physical Thursday or need extra clearance I won’t be able to start next Monday. Then I’ll have to do training starting sept 4, but it will be at night. I don’t know what I would do for childcare.

I feel like if I’m not honest and they find out they might fire me, but I also can’t imagine how they would find out. They’re going to drug test me but I don’t think any of those drugs show up in a regular drug test. I’m not on any benzos.

I don’t know. I’m leaning toward omitting the haldol but listing the other two. I don’t know. I just don’t want anything to interfere with this job! I need it so badly.

What do you think?

Uuuugh I think I’m just going to list all my meds and see what happens. I can’t take lying. I’ll be too nervous about being found out somehow. I just hope they don’t discriminate against me!

I would just list them all.

I've never heard of an employer asking you to list your medicines. Is that legal?

Hi there,

I’ve never had an employer ever ask me to list my meds or have to complete a physical for a job. In my field that’s not done. If I were to return to the workforce and be on any psych meds. I will never disclose that to my employer that’s private. I’m definitely not telling you what to do. You do what you feel comfortable with. As far as childcare in my state they have a place called the Childcare Resource Center. You call them and give them your work hours and zip code. They can send you a list of childcare providers in whatever area your looking for.

For certain jobs yes. My ex is a truck driver so I completely understand why someone that is behind the wheel of a semi would be required to list their medications.

I can understand that.

—I did a search for nj employee rights medications and it looks like the main thing is whether the job effects public safety. There may not have been rulings in your state, but there have been rulings on this. I would advise that you look this up. If you want to be sure, ask an employment attorney.

My job is working with high school kids so I guess it does affect public safety. Thank you for the info though. If they tell me I can’t wirk I will contact a lawyer and see if it’s legal to discriminate against me for that.

wildflowerchild25, I hope you can start the job as you hope for. Good luck!

Filing a Discrimination Claim - New Jersey - Workplace Fairness

I have had to list meds for a job before in healthcare. Especially when it involves the drug test they want to know everything that could show up. I think it is wise to list them, although I understand the concern. They should not be allowed to discriminate, but if they do that is wrong. Good luck!

You are in a tough situation.
Whatever you decide, I hope it works out well for you.

WC

I had to disclose my bipolar after I told someone I have bipolar and take meds and they told the boss. He asked me about it. Probably not legal.

My p-doc once told me "it's none of their damn business". Ask your p-doc if it is required. Someone mentioned a public safety concern - I think that would be the only reason to ask.

I completely agree. As a former mental health social worker I would strongly advise anyone with a mental illness to know your state laws on this matter. Also if your in certain professions then know “IF” disclosure is required. One person mentioned working in healthcare. I worked in healthcare for seven years and never had to disclose. But I was a mental health social worker for them. I did not see patients so the position you have also depends on if you have to disclose.

Are you on any meds that can be detected in a blood text or urine test ?

I don’t think I would list them all. Just the ones that can be caught in a screening.

I had to do a urine at a drug free work place, the deal is if your test pops for say a benzo you deal with the lab as in allow them to verify your taking them as prescribed through your pharmacy and or Dr ..your test will be reported as clean to the employer.

It’s YOUR personal medical diagnosis.