Medication and Trucking: My advice

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by The Challenger, Mar 22, 2014.

  1. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    I see questions asked a lot and thought I would make a thread with information for people on medication who have a valid CDL and DOT physical.

    1. My first piece of advice before even getting that permit would be to call the companies and get a list of APPROVED medications you can take.
    2. Second piece of advice: Make sure your Blood pressure and sugar levels are in check as well as vision. You will get sent home for these three things.

    Mental Health

    If you take anxiety, or medications for a mental health disorder, you might be asked to provide proof of a recent psychiatric evaluation on your mental well being. It is not uncommon for carriers to this as they want to know your not insane and be suicidal. There have been documented incidents where a trucker has used the vehicle as a weapon. The psychiatric evaluation is to prove two main things: A) your stable on your meds and B) You have no issues that prevent you from driving a CMV.

    I had a company sent me home for this. If this happens, please ask for an approved location on where to do so. If this has never happened do not panic. Many big companies only use certain doctor meaning the existing one you see might not work. Be open, honest, and polite when you go see this doctor. Your career rides on this evaluation. If this happens and you do not want to get this evaluation done, call other companies and see if their policy is different. 99 of out 100 times it isn't. Like I previously mentioned, the company wants to make sure your in good mental health.

    If you have been evaluated, bring a copy with you to orientation. This could be the determining factor on whether you get sent home or stay and get hired.

    Medications in General

    If you take other meds; Make sure they are approved by the carrier before you go to orientation. If not, you will be sent home and be required to provide proof of being stable on a substitute medication for your condition. If your company approves your medication, go see your physician or family doctor and ask for a letter that says you are approved to safely operate a Commercial motor vehicle (key words) while taking these medications. Also, have a list on what you take them for. Your doctor should be able to print you one. This list saves explaining to the doctor what you take your meds for.

    Certain medications are not allowed to be taken while driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle. Ask the company before you go for a list of approved meds. Do not wait until its too late. People get sent for this and wind up reattending for orientation many times before they get it right.

    If you follow my advice, you should be good to go and not be sent home for medications. Good luck.

    The Challenger
    .
     
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  3. Jrdude5

    Jrdude5 Heavy Load Member

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    Great advice KH thanks for posting.
     
  4. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    No problem. I just want everyone to understand medications and truck driving. Here's a link to the article about the D ick Simon truck driver that committed suicide.

    http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jan/18/news/mn-13625

    Another thing; Truck driving is serious business.

    KH
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 23, 2014
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  5. dieseltrooper

    dieseltrooper Light Load Member

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    Tough call sometimes. Been there with a company that would not allow wellbutrin. Ironically,the same rx is used to help smokers quit. I was dq til i got my dr to fax them a statement that he would no longer rx wellbutrin. I asked safety how they felt about a driver being depressed...no comment.
    It turned out to be bipolar and i no longer disclose med info the company horse doc doesnt need to know. My dr knows my job and would not have me sharing the road with anyone if he thought i was loopy from meds.
     
  6. cellopudding

    cellopudding Light Load Member

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    It is a tough call. There are some folks who are genuinely unstable, yet the majority of folks who struggle with depression are people who are able to hold down jobs, have stable relationships, etc., but need a little pharmaceutical help to get them there.
     
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  7. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    I've stable for around three years now. Its all about the proper meds for the disorders you have been diagnosed with. For some people it takes them there whole life. When I left Swift, my parents encouraged me to work with my doctor to find the perfect fit. It has paid off in spades. Nothing wrong being on meds providing they benefit you.

    CP,

    I agree some people shouldn't be driving but I've seen some who actually benefit from meds and do quite well. You obviously wouldn't recognize them but they're there and do a good job. The FMCSR says it perfectly; it cant interfere your ability to drive. Everything has to go in one fluid motion.

    KH
     
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  8. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Finding that balance is sooo hard. Way too many General Practice Drs prescribing anti D s these days. My step father was a surgeon in Navy at Okinawa and some other real nasty places. After war he was fascinated by some men going home fine and others suffering from "Battle Fatigue" as they knew it. Stayed in Navy until 52' after changing his specialty to psychiatry. He became one of the very best in the nation at figuring out what combinations worked for what people. It takes time and patience. Glad you got your's correct KH. Too many out there getting jerked around by MDs who have no business prescribing them. The wrong meds and dosages can make a miserable life unbearable.
     
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  9. cellopudding

    cellopudding Light Load Member

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    I'm one of those folks who benefit from a well-prescribed medication regimen, and regular appointments with a therapist. I remember when I had my physical the only question asked about my meds was if they made me sleepy during the day. Other than that, they really didn't seem to mind that I was on anti-depressants. I've always said that if it takes me taking two pills a day to help me have a fulfilling life, with a good job and stable, caring relationships, that taking those pills is a sacrifice I'll gladly make.
     
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  10. cellopudding

    cellopudding Light Load Member

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    Too true. I had one prescribe me a medication that completely doped me up. After a few months I could tell something wasn't right, and I saw a psychiatrist that got my meds properly adjusted.
     
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  11. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    BD,

    I'm glad I got mine straight as well. Instead of panicking, I set out to find solutions to problems. Like CP, I also benefit from therapy. I do it 2x a month and see my psychiatrist once every two months. Sometimes the best therapy for me is peace of the mind.

    KH
     
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