Question.. why would a physician prescribe a disqualifying drug to a truckdriver to begin with? Maybe didn't realize the drug being in that category? :smt102
Trucking and depression.
Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by Thrifty, Aug 14, 2008.
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Could it be that in case of seizures, the drug isn't the problem so much as the condition behind the medication's prescription? -
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My mom has bipolar disorder or whatever it is and she drives, she's got it under control with no meds for the most part, amazing what a divorce can do for you But she did tell them she takes meds on occasion I beleive
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I haven't been to this post in awhile but I'll try to clarify some things I stated.Lamictal is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.Both disorders may be disqualifying regardless of the medication used to relieve the symptons.Anti-seizure medications(anti-convulsants)have side effects by themselves that can render a driver unable to operate a truck safely.Side effects from Lamictal can include double vision,blurred vision and uncontrolled muscle movement.Don't get me wrong.Medicine works wonders for illness but it's side effects can be worse than the condition it's being used to treat.
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You're correct in your assessment.
But the original poster needs to question his doctor. Many Doctors who treat depression, play lab rat with the patiants. They read the documentation on a medication. See side effects and the possible benefits. Then prescribe it...for things other than the intended problem.
Case in point: I was prescribed BP meds, for chronic nightmares. One of the side effects, was "no dreams" Didn't take but one time for me to smack the floor when I stood up too quick. For me to say the hell with this...the nightmares are safer.
I just slept in a seperate bed from the wife...till the problem resolved itself.
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I was in the medical field for 15 years before becoming a otr trucker...its always better to be honest about any type of drugs you are taking...medications have different effects on different people....why doctors prescribe meds like this to a trucker is beyond me...if a drug makes you sleepy or you are experiencing blurred vision...that is enough right there to take you out and everyone on the road that you come into contact with...so speaking from experience and I have seen it up front....going to the scene of a truck involved used to put a lump in my throat...and when walking up and having to cover up the trucker and the other people in the vehicles that were hit by the truck is enough to tell me....NO MEDS FOR DEPRESSION WHILE DRIVING....we as truckers have a responsibility to every vehicle we meet on a daily basis to keep a straight head and bright eyes focused....I am saying this because, thats my family and your family out there....what would you do if a trucker did that to your family?
In the eyes of so many folks on the road....trucker's are trash....if we are to ever try and obtain a different image to present to the public....we must start now! -
And based on the current stats of suicides released last month. The economy is putting even more in a depressed state.
I was on meds that prevented me from driving for awhile. I quit taking them, my Doctor refused to sign a medical release afterwards. Like that ever stopped anyone.
Companies don't care. Unless it's specifically addressed by the DOT. -
To give you another thing to think about..
HAVE YOU BEEN TESTED FOR SLEEP APNEA?
Do you snore? Do you fall asleep during the day at abnormal times?
Do you wake up not remembering your dreams? Do you wake up with a WHOPPING headache?
Chronic depression is a common side effect of untreated sleep apena.. Been there done that myself.
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