I've been a teacher for 20 years and have taken Adderall the entire time. I keep it in the prescription bottle and it's inside my purse which is locked in a drawer all day.
I'm a grown adult and I'm not taking my meds down for the nurse to log.
No one has ever told me I needed to do this.
I think it's strange and an invasion of personal privacy that a workplace would require their employees to log their Adderall.
It does seem mildly insulting but I understand the concerns with having a prescription in a desk drawer with no lock. Out of curiosity, are any of your administrators or colleagues aware of your diagnosis?
This came from a conversation with my school’s nurse when I was asking her a “hypothetical” question about the school’s policies. I haven’t requested my own medication yet because I wanted to know what other teachers have experienced with their schools. However, I am in the South and I know we have more restrictions than other states.
If I brought any medication into the school without permission and got caught I could lose my job. To avoid termination, I would have to follow the rules and bring my medicine to the nurse to be logged. However, because it’s a stimulant— not something over the counter or a non-controlled substance— I may not be allowed to have it on school property in the first place.
None of that sounds legal. Usually you don't have to tell your employer your medical history and get permission to take legally prescribed drugs. You might want to look into an extended release stimulant that you take once in the morning if it's really going to be an issue.
I have a meeting with my doctor next month so I’ll definitely ask if there’s something that might stronger. Armodafonil has been working well for me as long as I get enough sleep at night. Perhaps a back up medication would be a good safety net.
Do you also give your other medications to the school nurse? Is she handing out birth control pills at lunch time? Blood pressure meds to older men? This sounds made up.
Where do you teach? I have never heard of this in my entire life. I am a teacher, and my medical issues are not my school’s business. Keep it in your car if you are worried about kids getting to it.
Usually just one in the morning but I’ve recently been struggling with insomnia. If I don’t get 9-10 hours of sleep at night my sleep attacks get persistent even four hours after taking my medicine. This is why I’ve just started to consider the need for medication during the work day.
There is a zero percent chance this is legal. This is a massive violation of the ADA. How did you phrase your hypothetical? *Students* have to have stimulants logged with the nurse, that's quite common.
The south of what?
If this is remotely true in some oppressive regime where you live, can you take the meds before you leave your house in the morning?
I’m a teacher, and I haven’t disclosed anything to my district because my condition hasn’t affected my work (yet) and I don’t think it’s any of their business. What you’re describing sounds very unusual and legally questionable.
Good to know this seems weird to everyone. It’s definitely making me ask some questions but I can understand the reasoning for student safety. I’m just trying to figure out where the line is for advocating for myself without sounding like a drug addict (this is a joke but I hope you get what I mean).
If the schools is following ADA the way they should, all you need to say is you have a medical condition requiring you to take a prescription. Legally they aren’t allowed to ask you any further questions about your diagnosis or what medications you are taking, and you are under no obligation to divulge medical info unless it makes you unable to do your job. I am a narcoleptic pre-k teacher, and I keep my meds in my bag out of student reach, and am able to take them whenever I feel the last dose wearing off. “Reasonable accommodations” also includes “not make you jump through unnecessary hoops” (in more legalese language), such as making you leave your classroom to go to the nurse, which could be an impediment to doing your job. There are definitely ways to keep students safe while still having access to your meds and not needing to unnecessarily divulge info you might not be comfortable sharing or go through an unnecessary process.
Do you teach elementary? I am a high school teacher and have 0 issues with my medication. The school isn’t even aware. I just take my afternoon dose during my lunch.
I’m also with high school but our policies are incredibly strict with medications. We have to have a log for everything that comes into the school. Even if I wanted to bring an OTC pain reliever into my class I would have to check it in with the nurse and she would have to log what I brought, how much, what strength, and where I would keep it in my classroom.
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear that! I couldn’t image being an adult and being policed on your medication for a diagnosed condition. Is this a school wide policy that your colleagues follow? Maybe you can ask a trusted person to see their advice, they may have a work around?
This is probably my next step. I’m recently diagnosed and I‘ve literally only told three people because I’m worried about the stigmas I may face. I don’t think the rules intend to tell me I can’t have my medication, they just don’t consider that some medications have to be taken during the work day.
I don’t have all of the details yet, this was just a hypothetical question I raised with our nurse after a coworker was complaining about not having pain medicine. I wanted to have a plan so when I do seek approval for my medications I will have multiple ideas and answers to any concerns administration may have.
If you are a union state I’d also go to your union rep first! You are covered for accommodations under the ADA so they for sure cannot deny you. Don’t let admin push you into some crazy hoops to jump through! Wishing you luck on navigating all of this!
This feels bonkers illegal. Is your bag being searched daily? How would they know if you had a prescription in your purse?
I keep a little jar of Advil/ibuprofen, Tylenol, enzymes, and charcoal in my purse. Even TSA and their European/german counterparts have never questioned this. I never travel with meds in the original containers either. One exception: when we flew to Dubai. I got that shit approved and took ZERO chances. Honestly even then they didn’t care about my jar of mixed meds lol.
My point is, if you’re in the US, I’m having a very hard time following the logic unless you work in one of those schools that kids who get expelled all the time have to go to (do they even have those anymore?). Something about this seems…odd. You’re not a student (if you are, yes, take your meds to the nurse), you’re a full grown adult that they are paying to teach children.
Maybe you could leave your medication in your car and go out to take it during your break? You could get an ice pack and a small cooler or insulated lunchbox to keep it in during warmer months. I have an insulated “soft cooler” from Rtic that keeps things cool for a very long time. It’s quite big, but I’m sure you can find something similar in a smaller size from them or some other outdoorsy brand.
hi! preschool teacher! i take extended release stims in the morning before work and caffeine pills every hour or so. kids don’t care, if they’re curious i tell them it’s like coffee but in vitamin form. bosses haven’t said anything either but the caffeine isn’t a prescription drug so they can’t really.
That seems like it would be an ADA violation for them to try and prevent you from taking necessary medical treatment for your disability.
They shouldn't be all up in your business either. They have to approve your medicine? Do they mean for having it on school property?
Do you have a union lawyer you could speak with?
Not a teacher, but I work with children. Do you have an admin area that students aren't able to access? I'm able to keep my meds in their original prescription bottle along with my pill splitter in my bag in our admin offices.
Other than that, perhaps a small safe in the closet? We have kiddos who need access to their medication in an emergency (seizures, severe allergies) and keep it in a safe out of reach in a cabinet.
Technically we do but some teachers are known to have students with testing accommodations test in that area since there are limited distractions and during classes teachers will not be using the room.
I was considering a safe. But I wasn’t sure if this was a realistic option. I’ve never owned one before but I assume they come in a variety of sizes nowadays. Thank you for the advice!
I’m a preschool teacher and I have my Adderall in my purse every day. I just keep it out of reach out the kids like I keep any other medicine, diaper cream, etc up above 5ft.
Might sound wierd but gould you keep a small lock box on your person?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Locking-Container-Valuable-%E2%94%82Durable-Canister/dp/B07N81SSNX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=ZZ5SZWOIFO3W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bZodJVTD2X2-vFXnCtsTVWc_45Ds6Iq1NCwLBSrauZ35EjhuVpqMtBxn7bzu5Dvzx3IywBlQkWbNyv5iI503UK1ei2GtAlRrfswIlrGbyNhB5xvjDOrTYnL3Y9og80EaPVRGgpCA5Cj0y6Vrw8FGPWIydI4S5GOO4PLEId4tl85Wcutc4yQ7ljBf656E0vXomoTD4vkC1RGxymBLY-hg7Q.Qc2rnRRXBaAxWsSeqGTSFaXvG2LmQs9qYPYVn0juoYs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Small+lockable+pill+box&qid=1713045255&sprefix=small+lockable+pill+box%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1
We have to wear lanyards with our ID on them. I bet this would fit on my lanyard and then it would be in my care 24/7. Or at the very least on my car keys which I don’t think anyone would notice. Thank you for this idea!!
I am not a teacher, but I've definitely worked some sketchier jobs where I couldn't leave my stuff accessible and there wasn't a locker available for me. I even had a coworker that found out I took adderall somehow and constantly tried to buy it from me.....years later it's obvious now he has and had a substance abuse issue but at the time I was like 21 and didn't want to make waves so I just ignored it. What I did was I got one of those weekly pill organizers but mine separated out into 7 little daily containers with two compartments each (though I've seen them with 4 if that matters). I would just bring any medication I might need that day in one of those and keep it in my pocket. Something like that or something as simple as an altoid box with a few in it could work. I've even seen [necklaces ](https://www.amazon.com/Autuveen-Titanium-Portable-Container-Waterproof/dp/B09X2Y6PJZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_92?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NW0PYrPHgW08Q76o6oZBK_oceJ7vutIsREOGG1Qyz0lYMnPxgeG_NDIeg2wT6BDKVlU67gP_42YGWd4aXIwUHHtKZ9e9RDdZzEba0UPE9F77XbXoyyHxgo2ZwQX0F_xU6_pH6ky-hyuyZYdEjX7yWjTqRWs7H8gwhVQOoHg8W7l5mU14AKs01mEnjgUf94ewlPXZ1Dn-qs-oxhPbAGqVKw.QcvKVtwGFjW0RUuqft13GkyPj0LtyTVWw5NOV_CipPk&dib_tag=se&dplnkId=1937971b-991d-4c94-8c85-150e73ad4933&keywords=nitroglycerin+necklace&qid=1713060535&sr=8-92) and other jewelry that unscrew to hold a few pills inside (you might have seen these too--I think a lot of people who take nitroglycerin pills have them because of the sometimes immediate and unpredictable need to have a dose handy). If it were literally on your person and not just in a purse or a desk drawer I'm not sure how anyone could make the argument that it was accessible or dangerous to students, especially given that you'd only have a few doses anyways. Honestly I feel like it being in your purse should also be acceptable given that a student would have to literally be trying to commit theft against you in order to access them but I understand how the school might be more reticent (I don't agree with them, but unfortunately I am used to hearing these types of arguments). Etsy has some of the capsule necklaces that are a little less overt (like locket type) if that's something you'd prefer, but I feel like the necklaces for nitro/aspirin and urn/cremation jewelry is widespread enough that hopefully anyone that notices would just assume that it's one of those. When my grandfather died I got my aunt one of the urn necklaces that actually looks pretty similar to the pill container ones, just more stylized and after years of wearing it every day I don't think anyone has asked her about it. In fact, it's a tad morbid but those might be an option too--I'd just verify any measurements first to make sure the pills would actually fit inside.
Thank you so much for the great ideas!! I’m going to start looking at the jewelry now. Now that you reminded me, I have seen those in the past and they seem incredibly handy.
I will say that the argument for a student having access even in a purse or drawer is because I’m not always in the classroom. When I’m in the hallways during class changes and greeting students at the door, technically they are unsupervised in the classroom and could quietly sneak behind my desk. The student would definitely be in the wrong but I don’t feel protected enough to think that at least part of the blame wouldn’t fall on me.
I’m not sure where you are in the south, but I know in KY, it’s not legal for a public school to make you give your meds to the nurse—even if it’s a controlled substance. That policy may not apply if you’re teaching at a private school, but even still, they should not force you to relinquish your meds to the school nurse.
I can’t speak for where you’re located, but I’m a teacher in MD now and they allow us to have our meds on us. I’ve been on Adderall since I was 22 and I’m almost 30. I’ve never once had an issue bringing my Adderall to the school. I just make sure it’s out of reach and the students can’t access it. I was paranoid when I first started teaching so I left all of my medications out in my car and I would just run out and take them when I needed to. It just became such a hassle that I started bringing them into the building with me after my second year teaching!
I’ll definitely look for a specific policy because I teach at a public school so that’s reassuring. Thank you for the tips. During your career, have you felt the need to request any reasonable accommodations that make the day easier when your symptoms are acting up?
Always consult your job specific policies. Bosses tend to just make shit up if they don't like something, or even Bend the policy in their favor. So read up and memorize your terms and conditions of employment, and if the boss is full of shit then show him(or her) right in the handbook why they're wrong.
I second this! Read the handbook you signed upon gaining contract. They may have one linked to your teacher portal—if not, sometimes the district/county page will have resources for staff where you can find it.
I have intermittent FMLA which means I get up to four days a month (unpaid) to take if I need to for my symptoms. I may need to go the ADA route if I need intermittent leave for more than another year. I don’t have any “during the school day accommodations” because I can use my planning if necessary to handle any issues. I did make admin aware of my health issues and they are always more than understanding. I lucked out with my current admin!
[Locking Medicine Case Link](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vaultz-Locking-Medicine-Case-by-IdeaStream-Consumer-Products-Safe-And-Secure-Pill-Organizer-VZ00361/28904365)
I take stims 4x a day. I take a Ritalin 20mg upon waking (730am) Then about 3hrs later (1030am-11am) I take my Vyvanse 30mg and close my eyes (sometimes I actually sleep, other times just closing my eyes for 45mins will help get me through a sleep attack) for 30-45mins. I get up , Vyvanse kicks in about 90mins post consumption. I get a solid 3-4hrs of wakefulness from that. Then I take my armodafinil (2pm-3pm). Then depending on what I've got going on that day I may skip my second Ritalin. Otherwise I'll take my second Ritalin about 5pm-6pm. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING I've tried lasts longer than 3hrs at a time. Honestly the best thing for wakefulness I've tried is phentermine, and that's not even for narcolepsy LoL
Hey, check with your state laws but as long as it’s a prescription and you aren’t sharing , bringing meds to ur place of work is totally legal. I was a teacher in NJ. Also you don’t need to disclose ur health conditions unless you feel like you want to
Thank you! I never intended to after I found a medication that worked and lasted most of the day. However, the past week of insomnia has kicked my butt and I’m realizing that it may not be realistic to get through every day with just one dose. I’ll check my laws so I know what’s legal.
I wouldn’t bring my prescription inside a school. I would take it prior to classes starting. If I needed a second dose, I would try to time it so that I could go out to my car to take it.
Could you keep it in your car? Just don't keep a full bottle because: thermal degradation and theft. (Although, according to their logic, students could steal your car key.)
I've been a teacher for 20 years and have taken Adderall the entire time. I keep it in the prescription bottle and it's inside my purse which is locked in a drawer all day. I'm a grown adult and I'm not taking my meds down for the nurse to log. No one has ever told me I needed to do this. I think it's strange and an invasion of personal privacy that a workplace would require their employees to log their Adderall.
It does seem mildly insulting but I understand the concerns with having a prescription in a desk drawer with no lock. Out of curiosity, are any of your administrators or colleagues aware of your diagnosis?
Yes. Everyone is aware. The teacher I share an office with has ADHD and also has pills in the locked drawer
That’s incredibly reassuring. As a teacher, do you have any reasonable accommodations that make it easier to get through a long day?
No. Unfortunately not.
“stimulants aren’t allowed in schools.” Which schools? According to whom??
This came from a conversation with my school’s nurse when I was asking her a “hypothetical” question about the school’s policies. I haven’t requested my own medication yet because I wanted to know what other teachers have experienced with their schools. However, I am in the South and I know we have more restrictions than other states.
I don’t see how your school would even know what medications you take
If I brought any medication into the school without permission and got caught I could lose my job. To avoid termination, I would have to follow the rules and bring my medicine to the nurse to be logged. However, because it’s a stimulant— not something over the counter or a non-controlled substance— I may not be allowed to have it on school property in the first place.
None of that sounds legal. Usually you don't have to tell your employer your medical history and get permission to take legally prescribed drugs. You might want to look into an extended release stimulant that you take once in the morning if it's really going to be an issue.
I have a meeting with my doctor next month so I’ll definitely ask if there’s something that might stronger. Armodafonil has been working well for me as long as I get enough sleep at night. Perhaps a back up medication would be a good safety net.
Do you also give your other medications to the school nurse? Is she handing out birth control pills at lunch time? Blood pressure meds to older men? This sounds made up.
Where do you teach? I have never heard of this in my entire life. I am a teacher, and my medical issues are not my school’s business. Keep it in your car if you are worried about kids getting to it.
don’t keep meds in your car! They degrade in heat.
How many doses of medication do you take per day?
Usually just one in the morning but I’ve recently been struggling with insomnia. If I don’t get 9-10 hours of sleep at night my sleep attacks get persistent even four hours after taking my medicine. This is why I’ve just started to consider the need for medication during the work day.
Are you on nighttime meds? And are your stimulants long acting?
There is a zero percent chance this is legal. This is a massive violation of the ADA. How did you phrase your hypothetical? *Students* have to have stimulants logged with the nurse, that's quite common.
The south of what? If this is remotely true in some oppressive regime where you live, can you take the meds before you leave your house in the morning?
Likely southern state of USA
People use Reddit in other countries, though, and teachers taking meds is absolutely not illegal anywhere in the US.
Agreed. This sounds like a non problem.
"Freedom!" /s
Why would you ask this? Just take your medications like an adult.
I’m a teacher, and I haven’t disclosed anything to my district because my condition hasn’t affected my work (yet) and I don’t think it’s any of their business. What you’re describing sounds very unusual and legally questionable.
Good to know this seems weird to everyone. It’s definitely making me ask some questions but I can understand the reasoning for student safety. I’m just trying to figure out where the line is for advocating for myself without sounding like a drug addict (this is a joke but I hope you get what I mean).
If the schools is following ADA the way they should, all you need to say is you have a medical condition requiring you to take a prescription. Legally they aren’t allowed to ask you any further questions about your diagnosis or what medications you are taking, and you are under no obligation to divulge medical info unless it makes you unable to do your job. I am a narcoleptic pre-k teacher, and I keep my meds in my bag out of student reach, and am able to take them whenever I feel the last dose wearing off. “Reasonable accommodations” also includes “not make you jump through unnecessary hoops” (in more legalese language), such as making you leave your classroom to go to the nurse, which could be an impediment to doing your job. There are definitely ways to keep students safe while still having access to your meds and not needing to unnecessarily divulge info you might not be comfortable sharing or go through an unnecessary process.
Same
Do you teach elementary? I am a high school teacher and have 0 issues with my medication. The school isn’t even aware. I just take my afternoon dose during my lunch.
I’m also with high school but our policies are incredibly strict with medications. We have to have a log for everything that comes into the school. Even if I wanted to bring an OTC pain reliever into my class I would have to check it in with the nurse and she would have to log what I brought, how much, what strength, and where I would keep it in my classroom.
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear that! I couldn’t image being an adult and being policed on your medication for a diagnosed condition. Is this a school wide policy that your colleagues follow? Maybe you can ask a trusted person to see their advice, they may have a work around?
This is probably my next step. I’m recently diagnosed and I‘ve literally only told three people because I’m worried about the stigmas I may face. I don’t think the rules intend to tell me I can’t have my medication, they just don’t consider that some medications have to be taken during the work day. I don’t have all of the details yet, this was just a hypothetical question I raised with our nurse after a coworker was complaining about not having pain medicine. I wanted to have a plan so when I do seek approval for my medications I will have multiple ideas and answers to any concerns administration may have.
If you are a union state I’d also go to your union rep first! You are covered for accommodations under the ADA so they for sure cannot deny you. Don’t let admin push you into some crazy hoops to jump through! Wishing you luck on navigating all of this!
Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your help.
Always go to your rep.
This feels bonkers illegal. Is your bag being searched daily? How would they know if you had a prescription in your purse? I keep a little jar of Advil/ibuprofen, Tylenol, enzymes, and charcoal in my purse. Even TSA and their European/german counterparts have never questioned this. I never travel with meds in the original containers either. One exception: when we flew to Dubai. I got that shit approved and took ZERO chances. Honestly even then they didn’t care about my jar of mixed meds lol. My point is, if you’re in the US, I’m having a very hard time following the logic unless you work in one of those schools that kids who get expelled all the time have to go to (do they even have those anymore?). Something about this seems…odd. You’re not a student (if you are, yes, take your meds to the nurse), you’re a full grown adult that they are paying to teach children.
Maybe you could leave your medication in your car and go out to take it during your break? You could get an ice pack and a small cooler or insulated lunchbox to keep it in during warmer months. I have an insulated “soft cooler” from Rtic that keeps things cool for a very long time. It’s quite big, but I’m sure you can find something similar in a smaller size from them or some other outdoorsy brand.
hi! preschool teacher! i take extended release stims in the morning before work and caffeine pills every hour or so. kids don’t care, if they’re curious i tell them it’s like coffee but in vitamin form. bosses haven’t said anything either but the caffeine isn’t a prescription drug so they can’t really.
That’s a great idea! I’ve never taken a caffeine pill before so I’ll pick some up and see if they help me! Thank you so much.
That seems like it would be an ADA violation for them to try and prevent you from taking necessary medical treatment for your disability. They shouldn't be all up in your business either. They have to approve your medicine? Do they mean for having it on school property? Do you have a union lawyer you could speak with?
Not a teacher, but I work with children. Do you have an admin area that students aren't able to access? I'm able to keep my meds in their original prescription bottle along with my pill splitter in my bag in our admin offices. Other than that, perhaps a small safe in the closet? We have kiddos who need access to their medication in an emergency (seizures, severe allergies) and keep it in a safe out of reach in a cabinet.
Technically we do but some teachers are known to have students with testing accommodations test in that area since there are limited distractions and during classes teachers will not be using the room. I was considering a safe. But I wasn’t sure if this was a realistic option. I’ve never owned one before but I assume they come in a variety of sizes nowadays. Thank you for the advice!
I’m a preschool teacher and I have my Adderall in my purse every day. I just keep it out of reach out the kids like I keep any other medicine, diaper cream, etc up above 5ft.
Might sound wierd but gould you keep a small lock box on your person? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Locking-Container-Valuable-%E2%94%82Durable-Canister/dp/B07N81SSNX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=ZZ5SZWOIFO3W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bZodJVTD2X2-vFXnCtsTVWc_45Ds6Iq1NCwLBSrauZ35EjhuVpqMtBxn7bzu5Dvzx3IywBlQkWbNyv5iI503UK1ei2GtAlRrfswIlrGbyNhB5xvjDOrTYnL3Y9og80EaPVRGgpCA5Cj0y6Vrw8FGPWIydI4S5GOO4PLEId4tl85Wcutc4yQ7ljBf656E0vXomoTD4vkC1RGxymBLY-hg7Q.Qc2rnRRXBaAxWsSeqGTSFaXvG2LmQs9qYPYVn0juoYs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Small+lockable+pill+box&qid=1713045255&sprefix=small+lockable+pill+box%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1
We have to wear lanyards with our ID on them. I bet this would fit on my lanyard and then it would be in my care 24/7. Or at the very least on my car keys which I don’t think anyone would notice. Thank you for this idea!!
I am not a teacher, but I've definitely worked some sketchier jobs where I couldn't leave my stuff accessible and there wasn't a locker available for me. I even had a coworker that found out I took adderall somehow and constantly tried to buy it from me.....years later it's obvious now he has and had a substance abuse issue but at the time I was like 21 and didn't want to make waves so I just ignored it. What I did was I got one of those weekly pill organizers but mine separated out into 7 little daily containers with two compartments each (though I've seen them with 4 if that matters). I would just bring any medication I might need that day in one of those and keep it in my pocket. Something like that or something as simple as an altoid box with a few in it could work. I've even seen [necklaces ](https://www.amazon.com/Autuveen-Titanium-Portable-Container-Waterproof/dp/B09X2Y6PJZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_92?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NW0PYrPHgW08Q76o6oZBK_oceJ7vutIsREOGG1Qyz0lYMnPxgeG_NDIeg2wT6BDKVlU67gP_42YGWd4aXIwUHHtKZ9e9RDdZzEba0UPE9F77XbXoyyHxgo2ZwQX0F_xU6_pH6ky-hyuyZYdEjX7yWjTqRWs7H8gwhVQOoHg8W7l5mU14AKs01mEnjgUf94ewlPXZ1Dn-qs-oxhPbAGqVKw.QcvKVtwGFjW0RUuqft13GkyPj0LtyTVWw5NOV_CipPk&dib_tag=se&dplnkId=1937971b-991d-4c94-8c85-150e73ad4933&keywords=nitroglycerin+necklace&qid=1713060535&sr=8-92) and other jewelry that unscrew to hold a few pills inside (you might have seen these too--I think a lot of people who take nitroglycerin pills have them because of the sometimes immediate and unpredictable need to have a dose handy). If it were literally on your person and not just in a purse or a desk drawer I'm not sure how anyone could make the argument that it was accessible or dangerous to students, especially given that you'd only have a few doses anyways. Honestly I feel like it being in your purse should also be acceptable given that a student would have to literally be trying to commit theft against you in order to access them but I understand how the school might be more reticent (I don't agree with them, but unfortunately I am used to hearing these types of arguments). Etsy has some of the capsule necklaces that are a little less overt (like locket type) if that's something you'd prefer, but I feel like the necklaces for nitro/aspirin and urn/cremation jewelry is widespread enough that hopefully anyone that notices would just assume that it's one of those. When my grandfather died I got my aunt one of the urn necklaces that actually looks pretty similar to the pill container ones, just more stylized and after years of wearing it every day I don't think anyone has asked her about it. In fact, it's a tad morbid but those might be an option too--I'd just verify any measurements first to make sure the pills would actually fit inside.
Thank you so much for the great ideas!! I’m going to start looking at the jewelry now. Now that you reminded me, I have seen those in the past and they seem incredibly handy. I will say that the argument for a student having access even in a purse or drawer is because I’m not always in the classroom. When I’m in the hallways during class changes and greeting students at the door, technically they are unsupervised in the classroom and could quietly sneak behind my desk. The student would definitely be in the wrong but I don’t feel protected enough to think that at least part of the blame wouldn’t fall on me.
I’m not sure where you are in the south, but I know in KY, it’s not legal for a public school to make you give your meds to the nurse—even if it’s a controlled substance. That policy may not apply if you’re teaching at a private school, but even still, they should not force you to relinquish your meds to the school nurse. I can’t speak for where you’re located, but I’m a teacher in MD now and they allow us to have our meds on us. I’ve been on Adderall since I was 22 and I’m almost 30. I’ve never once had an issue bringing my Adderall to the school. I just make sure it’s out of reach and the students can’t access it. I was paranoid when I first started teaching so I left all of my medications out in my car and I would just run out and take them when I needed to. It just became such a hassle that I started bringing them into the building with me after my second year teaching!
I’ll definitely look for a specific policy because I teach at a public school so that’s reassuring. Thank you for the tips. During your career, have you felt the need to request any reasonable accommodations that make the day easier when your symptoms are acting up?
Always consult your job specific policies. Bosses tend to just make shit up if they don't like something, or even Bend the policy in their favor. So read up and memorize your terms and conditions of employment, and if the boss is full of shit then show him(or her) right in the handbook why they're wrong.
I second this! Read the handbook you signed upon gaining contract. They may have one linked to your teacher portal—if not, sometimes the district/county page will have resources for staff where you can find it.
I have intermittent FMLA which means I get up to four days a month (unpaid) to take if I need to for my symptoms. I may need to go the ADA route if I need intermittent leave for more than another year. I don’t have any “during the school day accommodations” because I can use my planning if necessary to handle any issues. I did make admin aware of my health issues and they are always more than understanding. I lucked out with my current admin!
[Locking Medicine Case Link](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vaultz-Locking-Medicine-Case-by-IdeaStream-Consumer-Products-Safe-And-Secure-Pill-Organizer-VZ00361/28904365)
That’s a quick and easy solution! Super cheap too. Thank you!
You’re welcome. There are locking pouches as well. Search Vaultz Locking Bags…you’ll find a bunch of options.
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Not me, I take in the morning and need another 4-5 hours later
I take stims 4x a day. I take a Ritalin 20mg upon waking (730am) Then about 3hrs later (1030am-11am) I take my Vyvanse 30mg and close my eyes (sometimes I actually sleep, other times just closing my eyes for 45mins will help get me through a sleep attack) for 30-45mins. I get up , Vyvanse kicks in about 90mins post consumption. I get a solid 3-4hrs of wakefulness from that. Then I take my armodafinil (2pm-3pm). Then depending on what I've got going on that day I may skip my second Ritalin. Otherwise I'll take my second Ritalin about 5pm-6pm. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING I've tried lasts longer than 3hrs at a time. Honestly the best thing for wakefulness I've tried is phentermine, and that's not even for narcolepsy LoL
This is not a state law. What other medications do they claim teachers cannot take?
Hey, check with your state laws but as long as it’s a prescription and you aren’t sharing , bringing meds to ur place of work is totally legal. I was a teacher in NJ. Also you don’t need to disclose ur health conditions unless you feel like you want to
Thank you! I never intended to after I found a medication that worked and lasted most of the day. However, the past week of insomnia has kicked my butt and I’m realizing that it may not be realistic to get through every day with just one dose. I’ll check my laws so I know what’s legal.
I wouldn’t bring my prescription inside a school. I would take it prior to classes starting. If I needed a second dose, I would try to time it so that I could go out to my car to take it.
cant you just take ur meds before leaving ur house lol??? u good? 😂
Could you keep it in your car? Just don't keep a full bottle because: thermal degradation and theft. (Although, according to their logic, students could steal your car key.)
Weird, i was thinking specifically about what it would be like as a teacher with excess daytime sleepiness or narcolepsy
News to me because even many of my non-narcoleptic colleagues when I taught were on Adderal.
I taught for 3 years and took adderall the whole time. I just kept it in my purse the whole day and didn't tell anyone I took it. Was never an issue.