prescription drugs

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by panhandlepat, May 31, 2008.

  1. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    didn't find this in title search, but i know i've seen the subject in a thread elsewhere.
    i have a script for lortab, in case i have any more abdominal pain from my digestive system problems.
    1) can i have these in my truck with me?

    2) can i take,if needed, to stop severe ab pain? (if i stop for a 10 hr)

    3) if yes, where do they need to be kept? in the sleeper i assume?
     
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  3. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    That is a controlled substance and most co's will can you if you test hot at a random. You are suppose to list those and few co's will let you drive while you are on them. Muscle relaxers used to not show up on a drug test, but pain meds will.
     
  4. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Narcotics and opiates do show up on a screen, but otc meds normally don't, you should still inform if you are taking anything, Lortab would not be a good one, but, if you are under a Doctors care and instruction, your company may allow you to take it


    It's a gray area.
     
  5. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    oh yeah, they know. i'v been in the hospital for the last 4 days LOL
    i will carry all the paperwork from my hospital release stating the reason for the drugs i am taking.
    which are lortab (as needed), prescription prilosec, and an antibiotic.
    hopefully i will not need any lortab, man that ab pain was excruciating!!!
     
  6. witchwaywest

    witchwaywest Medium Load Member

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    Monroe New York
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    Panhandle,You can,under federal rules,still drive a CMV while taking a controlled substance.However the drug must have been prescribed by your doctor and he or she must know that you do in fact drive a CMV.Also,depending on the amount taken,it will not affect your ability to drive.Like other drivers have said,it's a gray area.What happens if you have an accident?You'll test positive for Hydrocodone(lortab).You'll be legal because your doctor prescribed it and determined that it would not affect your driving ability.Law enforcement might say it did,a lawyer for the plaintiffs will say it did and your boss proably won't be too happy.Best just to take the time off and get the illness resolved.For other drivers out there that are curious about what drugs are banned unless prescribed by a doctor don't search FMCSA,you won't find the list.Go to the Drug Enforcement Agency website.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.In their search box,type in 1308.11.You'll get a complete list of controlled substances.The list is based by substance not brand name(drug company name) but you can also do a search by brand name and it should give you a good overview of the drug you are taking or might take.One last thing.Kind of funny.You can receive a ticket for just being ill while driving a CMV,like the flu.It's called "driving under the influence of illness" It's true and yes it's the law albeit dumb.
     
    Joescheppae Q Thanks this.
  7. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    That will depend on the co. Their insurance will dertermine what drugs are allowed and what ones they won't cover. When I was with star out of nashville there was a driver that had a script. He had a letter from his doctor saying he could drive and take it. They said other wise.
     
  8. MalteseFalcon

    MalteseFalcon Bobtail Member

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    Jun 20, 2008
    Denver, CO
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    Hello all -

    Not looking to hijack this thread - but have a few questions that kinda relate to this - so thought I'd ask them here....

    Am new here - and have been looking into trucking lately, as my industry, like many, has really taken a real hit with the recession -

    Anyway - as I was looking into companies and DOT "requirements" and such, was kinda surprised by a couple of things... Rx drugs (Dr. prescribed) you can/cannot take - I just read through the High BP thread and am unclear if you are allowed to take meds to control it? or is that forbidden by DOT? My BP (with Rx) is 130/85 - and without is about 140/92 - Even that used to be "OK" but then the gov't. lowered/changed the rankings a few years ago for "borderline" and "high" -

    I take Atenolol (Tenormin) and been on it over 10 years.... Is this a deal breaker?

    Now, the harder question - which based on the DOT exam webpage I saw, seems this one will be a real issue :biggrin_25521: - but since this thread tackled controlled scripts, thought I'd ask here -

    OK, here's the deal - back in 1989 (yes, that long ago LOL) I was prescribed Klonopin (Clonazapan) 2mg for a bout with agoraphobia - Big words I know - but is not that big of a deal (to me at least) - Point being, this is very much a controlled substance - and have been on it for gosh - almost 20 years now - But I am very "used to it" that it does not effect my every day life - nor does it make me drowsy (despite label warnings) - I'm sure if someone new to it took it, 2mg would make them drowsy -

    But here's my catch 22 - the nature of this med does not allow me to stop it cold turkey - it's a benzo - so - if I were to try to go off, it would probably take several months to do it without adverse and severe withdrawals - Point being, I saw several here talking about Rx meds - and what you can/can't have in the cab... and this Dr. prescribed med I would think definitely not be a good thing to be found without proper medical documentation... So - what to do? Who does the DOT exam? Company? or private docs? Any hope for me here? It's not a pain killer or narcotic (in the street sense) - Thoughts?

    Lastly, and kinda off topic - but - as I was looking around at various companies and schools on various boards and such... I read a comment -or saw it somewhere that you have to have been employed solid for 2 years before applying? First off, while I understand companies desire "stability" - where does the Gov't. get off applying this rule (if I've read it right) - As for me - I own my own IT company - and have been working overseas the past 5 years - so I really don't have your standard "paper trail" (i.e. "go call Joe at XYZ, Inc. to verify") - as I have not had to pay into the US system for several years now - and since I was "it" while overseas - kinda hard to have them call anyone now LOL - Anyway - Just curious about this rule - and if there's any flex or give in it? Or maybe I have it all wrong?

    Many thanks in advance for any help.

    Cheers-

    MF
     
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