Last updated : November 18, 2024
Most companies provide reasonable accommodations for employees who have medical conditions that require the use of prescription drugs. They encourage workers to have healthy lifestyles because employees deliver better results when they feel their best. Although long term use of prescription drugs can help manage pain and chronic illness, abuse of these medications has become a growing problem in South Milwaukee.
Proper use of prescription drugs in the work place
Employees should only use prescription medications if it has been prescribed by a doctor and have a valid reason for taking it. Employers need to stress the importance of not sharing their prescription drugs with other people in the work place. Businesses should utilize drug testing companies to ensure their employees are not abusing prescription drugs.
OxyContin
OxyContin is a medication prescribed by doctors to help patients manage chronic pain. People receiving treatment for cancer are often prescribed this medication. Patients also use this drug to help relieve pain associated with headaches, backaches, and joint problems. Employers should ensure the common side effects of this drug such as dizziness and fatigue don’t interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job duties. Long term and recreational use of OxyContin increases the risk of someone developing an addiction to the medication. Drug testing companies will determine which employees are using the medication and if they have a valid reason for taking it.
Ambien
Ambien is a sedative to treat patients with insomnia. This drug should never be taken at work because it makes people fall asleep at a fast rate. Although Ambien is taken at night, patients can still feel the side effects of the medication the next day. Common side effects of this drug that could interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job duties include dizziness and drowsiness. Patients are encouraged to avoid physical activity until they are fully awake when taking this medication. Employees should only take this drug if they are prescribed the medication by a doctor. This prescription is meant for short term use and has the potential to become habit forming.
Zoloft
Zoloft is an antidepressant prescribed by doctors for patients who have depression, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Common side effects that can prevent an employee from completing their job duties include dizziness, drowsiness, and hallucinations. Patents should only take Zoloft if it has been prescribed by a doctor and has the potential to become habit forming.
Attention Deficit Disorder Medication
Attention Deficit Disorder is a common learning disability that affects people of all ages. People with this disorder have difficulty with concentration and organization. There are a variety of medications that help treat the symptoms. Some of the more popular medications used for treating Attention Deficit Disorder are Concerta, Ritalin, and Adderall. These medications improve the work performance of people with Attention Deficit Disorder, but this drug is highly addictive. Many people who don’t really need the drug take it for a variety of reasons. These types of medications are stimulants and attract recreational drug users looking for a fast high. People also use these types of medication as diet pills because of the decrease in appetite they experience when using the drug.
Prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem in the work place. Employees who work while under the influence of these drugs could injure themselves or someone else. Furthermore, the side effects of prescription drugs can prevent employees from completing their job duties. Companies should utilize drug testing companies to determine if their employees are taking prescription drugs and if they have a valid reason for using them.
