If you have a prescription can u still pass drug test

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by number1usJoe, Jan 28, 2007.

Do you take benzos or hynotics?

  1. *

    Benzos

    4 vote(s)
    100.0%
  2. *

    hypnotics

    1 vote(s)
    25.0%
  1. number1usJoe

    number1usJoe Bobtail Member

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    If you have a presripion can u pass drug test if you take Benzodiazepine. I see on 5 panel drug test they dont check for that but in a 9 panel test they do.

    I wonder what is checked in random drug tests or post accident tests.
     
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  3. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    You need to list all your meds. Companies have their own guidelines from their insurance companies. Just because your doctor says it is OK, doesn't mean their co will.
     
  4. littlebit

    littlebit Light Load Member

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    I'm assuming that the benzodiazepine you're taking is either alprazolam or something similar? (Since this is the chemical name and not the drug name, there are several drugs that contain this chemical)
    Benzo is classified as a hypnotic, which means on most drug tests (especially in the transportation industry) it will show up. Anything classified as a hypnotic can and will impair your ability to drive, so it is tested for.
    Other examples of drugs in this category, or at least with a chemical makeup similar to benzo are: Ambien, lorazapam, klonopin, valium, halcion, etc.

    (Lil Bit asked me to write this, I'm her partner and a Registered Pharmacist.)
     
  5. pro1driver

    pro1driver Heavy Load Member

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    since its doctor prescribed, i'd list it. that way, you are not trying to hide anything if/when it should show up. also, bring the bottle(s) with you so that the testing site can confirm they are your meds.
     
  6. number1usJoe

    number1usJoe Bobtail Member

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    I know I have precription for meds I am not trying to hide that I take medication for sleeping or anxiety but even though I have legal permission to have drug in body or posession can dot yank my license.

    Does prescript give me permission to have hypnotics and benzos in urine.
     
  7. littlebit

    littlebit Light Load Member

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    If it shows up in a drug test and you have a script for it you should be ok.
     
  8. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    That will also depend on his company. Their insurance company will dictate what meds are on their list.
     
  9. number1usJoe

    number1usJoe Bobtail Member

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    Today on Feb 1 2007 on sirius radio I heard a segement about medications a Prime recruiter said that ambien/hypnotics are not disallowed by the dot physical but they have a policy against it because they claim u wont have a negative drug test if you have an accident and they wont know positivly that u dont abuse it.

    I personaly have taken 2 or 3 ambiens in past to counter tolerance levels it didnt seem to matter. I have high tolerance and higher does doesnt make a difference.

    It guess it really depends on the companys policy.
     
  10. Cloud

    Cloud Bobtail Member

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    Dec 24, 2006
    Oklahoma City, Okl
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    I am on a prescription Gabapentin i take it before i sleep - for nerve pain in my left leg - that occurs only at night. Though I haven't taken it in over two weeks. Too bleeping expensive so i only take it if i have to.

    Course i'll be listing what i have taken /ect when i do my DOT up in St louis.

    And it does not impair my driving or impair me in any way.

    Anyone on that?

    Cloud
     
  11. dynosaur

    dynosaur Light Load Member

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    I wouldn't be so sure. If you have a prescription for morphine I would think you would be barred from operating a commercial vehicle until the need is no longer required and the driver is able to test negative for opiates. Former heroin addicts who are being treated with methadone may drive a passenger vehicle; but may not drive commercially until such time that methadone is no longer present in their system.

    Ooops! After further review...I found the following regarding prescribed medications (from FMCSA):

    Is there a list of prohibited drugs for being medically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?
    Section 391.41(b)(12) states: A person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person does not use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.11, Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug. Exception: A driver may use such a substance or drug, if the substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who is familiar with the driver's medical history and assigned duties; and has advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the driver's ability to safely operate a CMV. This exception does not apply to methadone.
    Medical Examiners are required to give careful consideration to the effects of medications on a driver's ability to operate a CMV safely before rendering the driver qualified.


    So, it would in fact be all up to the Doc.
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2009
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