Hey Guys/Gals I have a ?

I'm currently a line maintenance technician for a communications company but not sure for how much longer with impending layoffs. I know this is the worst time to be switching careers but I do have CDL permit and have enough saved up for a Local community College course to hopefully achieve my license. I don't drink or do drugs but am on a mild blood pressure med and Lorazepam taken when needed for anxiety. I read that benzodiazepine is on a banned list for DOT testing. Is that still the case when prescribed?
Thanks again for any insite and apologize in advance if this subject has been beaten to death.

I would think that benzodiazepine slows down the central nervous system it would not be a good thing to be taking when driving truck. Perhaps you can try some non-medical techniques to manage the anxiety? I can't imagine that you could drive 100k + pounds of truck while on something that will slow reaction times and have possible hypnotic effects.

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“I feel so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here”. Stephen Bishop

How else would someone get the drug other than prescribed legally?

It is considered a controlled substance under FMCSA rules.

Thanks for the reply Jeepskate99 and Roadmedic. If I have to to take other avenues such as a "good novel" to read I'll try that. My question, will I fail a DOT test with the above prescription in my system?

I have been researching this on google. I would suggest you google it and fmcsa and see what you think as well.

Other than that, I would suggest a call to fmcsa and ask them concerning it.

It does not appear to be found on a test.

I also take Ativan "lorazepam" for sleep my Doctor told me that it leaves you system atfer 6-8 hr thus it is not an probemle if i take it as soon as i pull off for the nigth (my 10 hr) yet I would NEVER drive with it in my system

My doctor have to write a note on his srtip pad for my other meds how ever he told me not to mention that i take ativan.

I have taken and passed a number of drug test when i have taken my ativan the nigth before.

I hope this helps you.

Please dont take it and drive as it IS a setitive and WILL SLOW your reaction time.

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"The More I Learn The Less I Know" A.E.

"There are two sides two to every coin and it is usually a plateing. The truth lies in only in the center." Me.

i would talk to doc about alternatives. if one is available that fmcsa doesnt boggle over, see if it suits you medically

what interests me is being told by a recruiter "if you take anti-depressants, don't mention it in orientation".

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Keep the big doors at the back!

Thanks alot there Paymentplan I wasn't aware it only stays in you system 6-8 hrs though it was much longer than that

A Mandated drug screen tests for 5 illegal substances (see 49 CFR part 40.85), those being:
Marijuana Metabolites,
Cocaine Metabolites,
Amphetamines,
Opiate Metabolites, and,
Phencyclidine

If your prescription meds do not fall within those 5 you will test negative. However, when you make application for your physical there are several questions you must answer one of which asks what prescription meds do you take. You must list all meds. Failure to list all meds will make you medically disqualified if detected by another means e.g. if the Safety Director sees them in the truck, or a state enforcement officer finds them and checks against a list of drugs that disqualify while driving.

While some meds are legal as a prescription drug, they will also disqualify a driver from driving while on these meds (all schedule II drugs), for example, Vicotin (hydrocodene). It is a legal pain med. However it is also a synthetic opiate, and while using this type med, a driver may not drive a commercial vehicle while using this med. Simplistically, you are disqualified while taking it.

There are many drugs that will disqualify you while under their influence.

From the old retired federal DOT official

I'm sure that's the case for when you're filling out the physical application. However, it's was different for us when we had to go for a random or post accident test. We were not allowed to tell them what medications we were taking. If the test came back positive the company MRO would investigate and make sure it was legal. I had a positive test for codeine once when I had a tooth pulled and that's what happened there. The MRO called me at home and asked if I was taking any medications I told him yes then I had to show the terminal boss the bottle and all was ok. I even tried to tell the collector once about my meds and she told me that they do not take that kind of information. I work for a giant company with a complete legal department and I'm sure they follow all that is required.

How would a state or fed inspector know what's on your long medical form anyway? Just asking.