Are taking anti-depressants public knowledge?

Question

I was prescribed Wellbutrin for quitting smoking. When I went to get the prescription filled, the pharmacist advised me not to as all future employers would be able to see that I was on anti-depressants. This is a major concern for me in my line of work.

Answer 1

Employers usually obtain medical information about their employees by asking employees to authorize disclosure of medical records. This can occur in several ways not covered by HIPAA. Unfortunately, the laws in only a few states require employers to establish procedures to keep employee medical records confidential. (For example, California Civil Code §56.)

A potential employer may ask for medical information as part of an employment background check, with limitations as explained below. To learn more on employment background checks and an employer's obligations under the FCRA, read PRC Fact Sheet 16 on background checks, www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs16-bck.htm, and the FTC's web site, www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/credempl.htm.

According to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in workplaces with more than 25 employees (ADA text, www.eeoc.gov/laws/ada.html, 42 USC §12101 et seq.)

Employers may not ask job applicants about medical information or require a physical examination prior to offering employment.After employment is offered, an employer can only ask for a medical examination if it is required of all employees holding similar jobs.
If you are turned down for work based on the results of a medical examination, the employer must prove that it is physically impossible for you to do the work required.

Answer 2

Not that it's really your employers business if you took anti-depressants at some point in time (and it's definitely none of your pharmacists f**king business--just shut up and put the pills in bottle jerk!!)

As long as you aren't abusing them, and can pass a piss test, most employers aren't too concerned--assuming you can do whatever it is they are paying you to do.

If they really are that interested in your medical history, you probably don't want to work for them anyway--people like that are usually insufferable. Not to mention that taking medication that is PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR doesn't indicate some kind of drug problem in the first place.

Answer 3

If the medicine is just for quitting smoking, try to get Zyban instead of Wellbutrin. It's EXACTLY the same medication (bupropion), but it has different implications for your medical record. Second, have this conversation with your doctor, not the pharmacist. I hope that pharmacist hasn't been scaring people out of taking needed medication.

Answer 4

ahh, the joys of insurance. There is a simple way to avoid this problem. Pay cash for prescription, and the insurance knows nothing. But when you want them to foot most of the bill, that is the price you pay.