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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Karen44 on August 11, 2006, at 23:04:40
How have others dealth with any sedating effects of medications when at work, especially when starting a new medication, and you are not yet adjusted to the medication? Thanks.
Karen
Posted by Dinah on August 12, 2006, at 11:54:32
In reply to Re: dealing with tiredness from med's at work, posted by Karen44 on August 11, 2006, at 23:04:40
I think it probably depends a lot on your work environment. I work at a small company where everyone has dealt with health issues, so I'm just honest that my latest medication is making me sleepy, and hopefully the side effect will go away as I get used to it. They're really ok with it as long as I get my work done in a reasonably timely manner.
In a larger company or more competitive environment, that might not be feasible.
Posted by llrrrpp on August 12, 2006, at 21:37:23
In reply to Re: dealing with tiredness from med's at work » Karen44, posted by Dinah on August 12, 2006, at 11:54:32
Hi Karen44,
I handled this by going in earlier than usual, and by leaving early (3pm) when I was about to crash. My work hours are very flexible, however. The other thing that might help is coffee, and using excuses to get up and move around. Offer to run things over to other offices, or make photocopies. I find it harder to fall asleep when I'm running around, than when I'm sitting still.
The other thing that helps is to keep meetings short, and to eat small meals, rather than a single big lunch that will sit heavy in your tummy.
If someone finds you nodding off, just say that you're taking medicine that makes you drowsy. If they press, just say it's for allergies or something.
In my case, I did these things for almost 4 weeks with little success. I asked my pdoc for help, and now I take provigil 200mg. It works better than caffeine and I don't feel jittery like before.
Another thing that might help is if you take the meds at night, so that the sleepyness is somewhat less by morning.
best of luck to you!
-ll
Posted by Karen44 on August 13, 2006, at 23:37:00
In reply to Re: dealing with tiredness from med's at work, posted by llrrrpp on August 12, 2006, at 21:37:23
Thanks. I work out of my own office; I am somewhat flexible with my hours but would have trouble getting away by 3 or 3:30 p.m. What seems to happen is that I go in early and stay late just to get my work done. I work independently but am expected to complete a certain amount of work each month. So, sometimes I also end up taking work home on the weekend. I am a professional and would have a hard time explaining med's. That would be used against me in more than one way. The idea of small meals, snacks is good plus I can get up and go down the hall or to the cafeteria--open all day, get a coke, whatever. But this is why I have to, then, stay later--because I am wasting time running around to stay awake. When I see a client, then I have to use up all my energies.
Karen44
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