New driver with orientation date and question about ADHD medications

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jeremiah100, Apr 14, 2014.

  1. Jeremiah100

    Jeremiah100 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2014
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    Okay so I am a recent CDL graduate and I have an orientation date with Stevens and am talking to TMC and thinking I might switch to them. My question is I was prescribed adderall up until about 7 months ago. I don't feel I need the medication any more and barely took it when I was prescribed. Is this going to cause any problems when I show up for orientation in Dallas or am I okay? I've read you can keep taking it if a doctor says it won't effect my driving but I'm not planning on getting prescribed again or taking it again. I'm just concerned I will show up to Dallas and be sent packing. Does anyone have any input on this?
     
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  3. Aireal

    Aireal Medium Load Member

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    I'm unsure of the exact nature of Adderall, but if it's the same as the prescribed drug's my son took ( schedule III) then you probably need to take a copy of the 'script to orientation just to be on the safe side. Ask your doctor if it would show up on a drug screening and if he/she would write you a note stating that you didn't need to take it.

    Get that information and if you need to call the companies and ask them what their policy is. JMO
     
  4. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Dont ask dont TELL.
     
  5. fencitup

    fencitup Light Load Member

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    While the guys/gals on here will want to help you...
    All you will be getting is UNeducated advice. And I don't mean people on here are uneducated, just not on this. Unless someone on here has had the same EXACT situation. With the same exact company If you have not had a yearly physical lately. Schedule one with your doctor and explain the situation to him/her. Having just saw you, they would have no problem giving you a note/letter to take to orientation. Which might be what the company asks for anyway.

    Why did I not just say just call the company? This way you get a physical out of it. A REAL physical. Where you have blood drawn and the whole nine... Never a bad thing
     
  6. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    Have your prescription on hand, with you at orientation.
    Don't mention it, if not asked about it. The less they know, the better. It's not being flinty or paranoid or trying to worm through the cracks- it's keeping it simple.
     
    baha and blairandgretchen Thank this.
  7. Jeremiah100

    Jeremiah100 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2014
    Detroit, Michigan
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    Do they look at your past medical records? I know it won't show up on a drug test since I haven't taken it in 6 months. The only way they could tell is by getting my medical records and seeing that I once was prescribed to it.
     
  8. Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

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    Yeah, good advice, hide it! don't tell! Lets wait for a lawyer to find out after the accident you might have, nice plan. You are asking truck drivers for medication advice, did I miss the pharmacy part of the CDL test?
    On behalf of all road users, ask qualified people about your medication and its side effects and make an educated decision. PLEASE.
     
  9. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    You do realize Adderal is a time released stimulant, in the same chemical class as amphetamines?
    He's discontinued use of it, 6 months is a massive amount of time to be off the medication of this kind. The only way he'd get popped is a hair follicle.

    Unless a lawyer is gaining access to his personal medical records, it's very unlikely it would ever come up in a trial.
    It's also very unlikely that his company will find out about it, due to the same fact.

    If he did get hit on the hair follicle, he would just present his prescription, explain the situation and move on.

    But you would have him speak with a medical professional who knows nothing about prehire interviews who will tell him "MAKE SURE YOU BRING IT UP IMMEDIATELY. IT SHOULD BE HELLO, MY NAME IS XXXX, AND I TOOK ADDERAL BETWEEN THE DATES OF XX-XX. I HAVE A PRESCRIPTION."

    Makes no sense.

    Source: I was on Ritalin for 21 years, and got off it 3 months before I became a driver. Decided I didn't need it, and it would cause more problems than it solved.
    I spoke with my doctor about getting a note about my prescription, and he told me to admit...ADMIT...to the company that I had been prescribed Ritalin by a medical professional. I spoke with a few drivers here, they told me it was awful advice: They were completely right.
     
  10. BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

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    I cant remeber completely what all is on the medical background questionnaire they have you fill out and sign.. I know it asks for all sorts of past medical and mental conditions... Personally, I would just answer all questions honestly...
     
  11. Jakethebrake99

    Jakethebrake99 Light Load Member

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    The best advice in this thread is have your script with you to cya if it becomes necessary. But, keep your mouth shut and don't volunteer the info, it could snake bite you. I highly doubt that it will show up on drug test. Why create trouble for yourself?
     
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