Posted by julieme on August 17, 2008 at 09:57:03:In Reply to: New to Narcolepsy. posted by 53Buick on August 13, 2008 at 14:51:29:
Well I'm an American so I'm not sure about legislation in the UK, but in the US, narcolepsy is considered a documented and legitimate disability. I'm sure there's something comparable to it in the UK, but in the US we have the Americans with Disabilities Act that "prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment...An employer is required to make a reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified employee." (see http://www.eeoc.gov/types/ada.html for more details). Generally, most employers do NOT want to deal with even the slightest chance of a discrimination suit against the governement...so that might give you some leverage and job security if you have something similar in your laws.
I just did a little research online and found out that The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) provides similar protections in the U.K. (See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/YourEmploymentRights/DG_4001071).
You may want to start doing some further research and getting into contact with someone from these offices to assist you.
As for your meds, I personally have never taken Provigil, but I do know that different people react to different meds in various ways. Sometimes they are effective, sometimes they aren't. There are LOTS of alternatives to Provigil, so be honest with your doctor so that you can try something else that is much more effective. (I personally take Adderal, but other many other options).
I looked online and found that the FDA also published a warning that there have been research studies and reports of headaches, hallucinations, anxiety and suicidal thoughts linked to the use of Provigil. While this reaction is not common, it does occur often enough for a federally mandated warning. IT is obvious that HIS DRUG IS NOT FOR YOU! I would contact your doctor as soon as humanly possible so you can discontinue this treatment and try a different one.
Hope this info helps even a little!