Is Adderall ok for DOT Physical

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by Yogi4, Jul 19, 2009.

  1. Yogi4

    Yogi4 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2009
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    Hello...
    I'm starting training for my cdl at a trucking company soon. I take Adderall. It is amphetamine based. Would this automatically make me fail the dot physical? Should I get a letter from my doc stating this med in no way hampers my driving ability? I'm switching careers and I don't want to get canned my first day of school. I'll quit taking it if I have to. I've been sitting behind a desk for the last 3 1/2 years and am working out for the weights/heart test so hopefully I won't have a problem with that part of the physical. Thanks.
     
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  3. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    I'm not sure about the drug itself.

    But restrictions placed upon you by the fact it's a schedule 2 drug, could hamper your ability to get an OTR job.

    At this moment, you're not having any issues that would be problematic to an employer. But as a driver, you would not have the ability to maintain a scheduled lifestyle. And the prescribing restrictions would place a serious burden on any OTR company that hires you.

    You can run local or regional. But you'll have issues there also, like seniority.

    This is by no means a "no" to driving. But it is a glimpse of what you can expect.
     
  4. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    If I'm not mistaken Adderall is a Narcotic nerve medicine. If so I believe that it will disqualify you immediately. I may be incorrect but don't think I am.
     
  5. Yogi4

    Yogi4 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2009
    Carmichaels, Pa
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    Then it looks like I'm gonna have to stop taking it then. My pee test is in 8 days so it'll be out of my system. I read it takes 72 hours to clear your system. I'll alert my dr that I've stopped taking it so it'll show in his records. I don't want to take anything to chance. I need and really want this job very badly.
     
  6. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    What are you taking the drug for?

    Best to discuss the effect of withdrawal with the doctor as well.
     
  7. Yogi4

    Yogi4 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2009
    Carmichaels, Pa
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    I take it for mild ADD. I'm on kinda a low dose of 15mg twice a day. I haven't been on it long... maybe 2 months.
     
  8. walkfirepath

    walkfirepath Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2009
    Lake Stevens, WA
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    Just for the record, Adderall and Ritalin, both widely prescribed for ADD and ADHD are stimulants, not narcotics. For reasons unknown, they don't act as stimulants in those with ADD and ADHD, but instead have an effect probably best described as "calming", allowing them to better maintain their focus. Given that -- I'd think Yogi and all of us might be a whole lot safer if there's a way to continue the therapy when driving, assuming it has been working. Maybe check with DOT?
     
  9. damatel

    damatel Bobtail Member

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    Apr 25, 2010
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    Prohibitions

    §382.213 Controlled substances use. (a) No driver shall report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions when the driver uses any controlled substance, except when the use is pursuant to the instructions of a licensed medical practitioner, as defined in, who has advised the driver that the substance will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
    (b) No employer having actual knowledge that a driver has used a controlled substance shall permit the driver to perform or continue to perform a safety-sensitive function.
    (c) An employer may require a driver to inform the employer of any therapeutic drug use.
     
  10. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    The doctor has to be able to advise the driver that substances in the prescription will not adversely affect the ability to drive the CMV safely. In addition, the company must agree to such medications.

    There are adverse side effects from this medication that must be monitored.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  11. damatel

    damatel Bobtail Member

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    Apr 25, 2010
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    Prohibitions

    §382.213 Controlled substances use. (a) No driver shall report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions when the driver uses any controlled substance, except when the use is pursuant to the instructions of a licensed medical practitioner, as defined in, who has advised the driver that the substance will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
    (b) No employer having actual knowledge that a driver has used a controlled substance shall permit the driver to perform or continue to perform a safety-sensitive function.
    (c) An employer may require a driver to inform the employer of any therapeutic drug use.
     
    flyspy Thanks this.
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