Drug question from Newby?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Newfrontiers, Aug 26, 2016.

  1. Newfrontiers

    Newfrontiers Bobtail Member

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    Hi Friends

    I am leaving my biz (after 20yrs, burnt out) and going to give trucking a try. However, i do have a concern that i thought you guys could help me with.

    I am taking xanax and restoril for a sleep/insomnia issue. I plan to kick these drugs and am slowly weaning myself off. (its quite a pain), but not on high doses and feel i can kick them.

    Anyway, i found this list and don't see either drug listed as a disqualifying drug (i know this can't be true)???

    LINK

    Can someone point me in the right direction on where the disqualifying drugs are for driving?

    Thanks very much!

    ~Tim
     
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  3. Jazzy J

    Jazzy J Medium Load Member

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    Use search box at top of page. Type in your question.
     
  4. alghazi

    alghazi Road Train Member

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    There is no list of prohibited prescribed drugs under DOT regs. You will hear uninformed truckers refer to such a list, but they will not link to it because it does not exist.

    The two drugs you are taking are benzodiazepines. The DOT drug test does not even test for benzos.

    Those drugs will not prevent you from being a truck driver.
     
    12 ga Thanks this.
  5. joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

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    "Those drugs will not prevent you from being a truck driver."
    WAIT!!!!! I'm allowed to take XANAX!!???
    :biggrin_255::biggrin_255::biggrin_255::blob8::blob::cheers::hello1::hello1::hello1:
     
  6. bamalife123

    bamalife123 Light Load Member

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    What medications disqualify a CMV driver?
    PreviousNext




    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



    Last Updated : April 1, 2014
     
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  7. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b)(12))
    https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-medications-disqualify-cmv-driver
    As far as Benzodiazepines go...they don't directly test for them but they do/can show up in a urine test.
     
  8. bamalife123

    bamalife123 Light Load Member

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    Yeah im just starting out myself and from what ive seen if your going to lasts in Trucking its best just not to do nothing unless its something major like you having to get surgery or something. Even though the dot test doesn't test for everything im sure if you got into a accident it would be a lot more detailed test at least i would think so.
     
  9. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    For you to remain taking those drugs you'd have some hurdles to jump over..First have the prescribing Physician clear you for duty (driving a CMV).
    Next have the DOT Physician (has the final say) agree with your primary Doc, and clear you... You'd have to list any medications you are taking with the DOT Doc.
    Next find a company who's safety dept will okay what you are taking..
     
  10. alghazi

    alghazi Road Train Member

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  11. alghazi

    alghazi Road Train Member

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    You are under no obligation to disclose your medications to the company safety department.
     
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