Trucking and depression.

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by Thrifty, Aug 14, 2008.

  1. Thrifty

    Thrifty Bobtail Member

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    Newark, DE
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    I am on some medications for clinical depression. Mainly take Prozac and Lamictal. My question is, if I just flat out don't mention the presence of these AT ALL, will that get me into trouble? I've heard that mentioning them can put off some trucking companies. What if I just don't bring it up?
     
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  3. ParkRanger

    ParkRanger Light Load Member

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    I think that it would be on your DOT Medical Report.
     
  4. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Trying to hide anything is never a good idea. That always looks bad.
     
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  5. Wen782

    Wen782 Medium Load Member

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    If those medications help you, I would think that you should mention it. Especially in case they were to come up on your drug test or something. It'd be easier to say I'm on such and such for depression and it's really helping so they would know, as opposed to getting to the starting line and having them wonder what you're on.

    Also, please make sure you take VERY good care of yourself on the road, if that's what you choose to do. I would think that a lonely and thankless (a lot of the time) job like trucking would be a springboard for someone with depression to potentially sink lower. With your meds, though, hopefully you'll do alright.

    Good luck!! :)
     
  6. witchwaywest

    witchwaywest Medium Load Member

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    Prozac use by itself and depression should be not disqualifying.For your doctor to certify you to drive it will depend on the severity of your depression and any complications resulting from your illness.So again,prozac and depression shouldn't be a problem.Your main problem is Lamictal.It is classed as an anti-seizure medication.Under federal law you can't be certified to drive if you are taking an anti-seizure drug.I would talk to your doctor about getting off of any medication listed as anti-seizure and see if there is an alternative.As far as not being forth coming at the time of your exam,I wouldn't do it.There are civil penalities plus invalidation of your medical certificate.It falls under "making a false statement to conceal a disqualifying condition".
     
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  7. Thrifty

    Thrifty Bobtail Member

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    Aug 9, 2008
    Newark, DE
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    Do you have a source on the disqualifying status of Lamictal?

    I can come off the Lamictal and go back to Prozac no sweat. If I stop taking the Lamictal today, with my doctor's permission, and go into a physical on the 25th, I should be kosher, right?
     
  8. From the FMCSA website:



    What medications disqualify a CMV driver? 180
    A driver cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner.
    If a driver uses a drug identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b)(12) or any other substance such as amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit forming drug, The driver is medically unqualified.
    There is an exception: the prescribing doctor can write that the driver is safe to be a commercial driver while taking the medication. In this case, the Medical Examiner may, but does not have to certify the driver.
    Any anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying.
    Methadone use is disqualifying.
    The Medical Examiner has 2 ways to determine if any medication a driver uses will adversely affect safe operation of a CMV:
    1. Review each medication - prescription, non-prescription and supplement
    2. Request a letter from the prescribing doctor
    [​IMG]
    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/faq.asp?FAQTypeSub=1016&FaqQ=#name2


    Also, here's a link to the drugs identified in 21 cfr 1308.11 (referenced above):
    http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1308/1308_11.htm
     
  9. Thrifty

    Thrifty Bobtail Member

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    Newark, DE
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    Hmm.

    What I keep wondering is: how is the examiner going to know if don't mention the depression?
     
  10. witchwaywest

    witchwaywest Medium Load Member

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    Fmcsa website.Search under 391.41.Once there,scroll down to (B)8and9,hit on medical advisory criteria for both.This should help answer some of your questions.If you have no recent history of seizures or severe depression and are off any medication classed as an anti-seizure medication. I can't see any problem taking your physical and passing.Why should I tell the examiner about my depression and current meds?Because if you ever have an accident in a CMV your medical history will become an open book for law enforcement and lawyers.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2008
  11. Hay Thriftyyyyyyyy!

    Everything going good ? Great ?

    Your bodies genetics are chemically imbalanced.
    Poop Happens!
    Thank goodness for a medicine that can assist you thru your daily living.
    I am familiar with Prozac ( The HORSE is responsible for the product to come to the shelf, with the time and studies brought about by a DVM Dodman , from Tuft University, in Boston , Mass. )
    I have done some reading on Lamictal and it is also for Bi Polar, which is not to be ignored.
    A Physician prescribed these med's to you , so on that note , your DOCTOR is also responsible for your health.
    You have nothing to hide about your body , if these meds like the others in the best trucking forum out there in cyber space have mentioned are helping you live a productive life , so be it .
    If your trucking company that cuts your checks , doesn't understand and find it odd, well I have a prescription for them. :):)
    There are good companies out there who appreciate your honesty.
    Carry on and keep your mind in the middle of your big ##* rig's wheel!
    Bless ya for transporting , goods and services to us all.....!
     
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