What are the laws on prescription pain meds while driving rigs

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Dogs, Sep 1, 2009.

  1. eckz

    eckz <strong>"Radio Rambo"</strong>

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    To be honest, i believe that in yours (and my) case it was slightly different, because at that point we were already hired in with our respective companies.

    We're talking to someone who's trying to get hired, and that might be a whole different ballgame.
     
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  3. Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

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    3 years ago I was on 3 meds at the same time. One was an anti-convulsant, that was suppossed to work on nerve pain. (It didn't work!) Also an anti-depressant that was suppossed to work on nerve pain. (It didn't but made me forget where I was going and what I was doing)
    Then I was taking Avinza. Time release Morphine. I was taking 5 or 10mg once or twice a day. It helped with the pain. Eventually made me constipated!

    I haven't taken anything in 3 years. The Avinza dosage was so low and time release there was no ill effects.
     
  4. truckerdad57

    truckerdad57 Light Load Member

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    The medical review board guidance on what drugs you can take while operating a CMV are a nightmare to get straight answers.

    Basically any drug that has a label warning of "may cause drowsiness" or "do not operate machinery" which most if not all pain med do.. you have to be evaluated by your treating physician to ensure that your use of the medication will not adversely affect your ability to operate a CMV - and you better get that in writing and keep it with you.. and keep the medication in the original prescription bottle.. and the prescription better have been made out to you.

    The other issue is many companies have tighter "knock out lists" of drugs you can't have taken.. it varies by company.. so its even more complicated..

    Last... FMCSA does prohibit any drug on the DEA schedule 3 from use while operating a CMV.. had a student with me that got broncitis.. was prescribed a codiene cough syrup.. that was it.. no driving for him until he got better and off the cough syrup...
     
  5. Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

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    I had surgery for and the doctor was going to prescribe me Loritabs. I told him that they made me meaner than Hell, and I couldn't sleep. He prescibed something else.
     
  6. Bridgeburner

    Bridgeburner Bobtail Member

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    I take oxycodone and methadone for cronic pain for clutch knee, bad back, and a shoulder deformity. I always tell the people who administer the drug test what i take, and have had no issues with them. I have been taking pain meds most of my life due to my shoulder deformity, so I am used to it, it does not affect my driving abilities. But if I had a wreck I am sure it wouldnt help. But then again I put 100 percent into driving, absolutly no cb radio, no cell phone conversations and no texting, no smoking, I wont even change radio stations while driving. I have always been that way and have never been ticketed for a moving violation and never had a wreck.
     
  7. formertaxidriver

    formertaxidriver Heavy Load Member

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    I did major dental work a couple of years back. Big time extraction. The whole caboodle on the upper arch. The Dentist perscribed me Vicodin and I waited the 72 hrs past the last tablet to go back on the road. I knew what was up, I have an opiate background and know what they are thinking about. I made my mind clear before I went back to work. Never in the truck, never in the body. I like the idea of having a lively hood. I'd take them every day if I could, but truck driving really got me off drugs for the duration.

    And before you comment, I was an addict for 10 years. Driving, not trucks and they care not. I buried my brother for an accidential overdose, and that did more than any rehab....I can't help what my body craves, I just want my job and have a wonderful way to stay clean now...
     
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  8. James Johnson

    James Johnson Light Load Member

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    It's hard taking meds when driving. Now, I got use to it. I did forgot one med is for something that help me do stuff. It's too personal to tell on social media. But it depends what medicine you take, and the effect of your driving. It doesn't affect my driving so I'm good. One pain meds I have to take for pain. Is for my back. One kid was trying to wave at me but I couldn't because I was taking it when I was driving.
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2017
  9. Pamela1martin1

    Pamela1martin1 Bobtail Member

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    I hope to be a truck driver and I take meds. Do I have a chance??
     
  10. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

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    Condolences on the death of your brother! May he rest in peace! May God be with him for all eternity!

    God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!
     
  11. Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

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    Near Nashville TN
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    Could you be a little "less" specific? Depends on the meds.
     
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