This working year i have taken no holiday time at work as i expected to leave and go and work in Greece for the summer. Unfortunately(sp) this did not materialise. I was grateful that my current employers have let me take a months holiday instead of the usual two weeks so i could chill out and watch the world cup. Of course i have used this time wisely and been for a couple of interviews. Just found out that i have this new job as long as i pass a medical. The letter tells me to bring the box of any medication that i am currently on. The problem is that i am on anti-deps and my thinking is that admitting to that could possibly kill any chances for this position.

I have no experience of taking a medical for work so was wondering if anybody else has had this. Would it be wise to say nothing? Have you had to take just a piss test or actually a blood test?

Is being on anti-deps really a big deal nowadays?

It's kind of a customer service role but could involve dealing with some potentially hostile situations.

I don't know how it is over there, but here, I think it's illegal to turn someone down for a job based on their prescription med history. Especially anti-depressants since it seems like almost everyone's on them these days.

Okay thats interesting, i have no idea of the law. So is it illegal in the US? I would guess its similar over here.

If it's prescription, I think they need to know about it since they will prob test your blood and urine. If you don't tell them, they'll think it's illegal. I think they want you to bring the bottles so they can see that it was indeed prescribed to you.

I think the medical exam is probably some sort of drug screening with a different name.

I don't think that's correct because of the HIPAA laws that went into effect a few years ago. You don't even have to tell your HR dept why you need to take FMLA, but then again, I don't know how that works when you're being interviewed versus already employed.

For insurance purposes, you'd have to tell them because if you're on high blood pressure meds, for instance, they'll probably cause a stink because of possible heart (aka big money) problems.

I had to click on this thread to see what it was. Oh, a physical. And yes, Pete, our economy would die if the folks on anti-deps were eliminated from their jobs.

Ha, so i probably have no problems as long as the law is similar as you guys.

I was quite worried as i would really like this job. I just can imagine going in for the medical and showing the drugs i'm on and that would be the end of it.

How long does ice & codeine take to get out of your bloodstream!

I don't think you have anything to worry about, but I really don't think there's any law in the US preventing a company from rejecting applicants based on their meds.

yeah I would say its grey area law in the US, especially since some employers are firing individuals because they smoke.

However, I highly *doubt* that they are going to screen for anti-depressants.. each thing they look for in urine/blood costs $$$- its not as if they just pop the urine in and it tells you whats in it. Now if the anti-depressants can be confused with opium, then....

But I have no idea what the laws are 'over there'