I need private advice, please, from anyone who takes medications for depression. Feel free to pm me. Thanks very much.
Medications
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JimsK, Aug 27, 2013.
Page 1 of 2
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
Depression is not anything to be ashamed of! I know guys who take it and drive, I'm sure this can be of a benefit to anyone with this same question, I was told that if your Dr. Writes a Prescription then it is legal for you to take, Be sure to carry the prescriptions with you you so if you do get pulled in a scale for a inspection, that you will have your bases covered, I was once on a prescription for a Anti Depressant and I couldn't tell it was making any difference. I wish you well. Thanks.
-
Title 49 Sub-Section 391.41(b)(9) Mental Disorders
There is only one mental disorder that will automatic disqualify you from driving and that is schizophrenia. It is the only mental disorder named in the law.
However, just about any mental disorder can disqualify if the doctor doing the medical exam is ignorant about mental disorders. Most doctors spend about 12-16 week in a class that meets once a week on the subject on mental disorders and its is about how to recognize the disorders to refer the person to the mental health specialist.
If you have a mental health disorder, have the doctor treating you for the issue write you a letter to the doctor who will be doing the medical exam at the carrier you are going to work for on their letter head and then place it in their letter head envelope and seal it with tape. When the doctor giving you the DOT Medical Exam comes into the room hand them the envelope and give them time to read the letter.
It is against the law for any company to ask you about your medical history and it is against the law for the doctor to tell them as well.
If the company asks you why you were not given a two (2) year card tell them its between you and the doctor and they dont need to worry about it. -
I've been on anti depressants for years. I've never had a problem with getting a 2 year physical because of it. You list what drugs you are prescribed and taking, that's been it.
luvtotruck Thanks this. -
What you really need to do is to contact a doctor who does DOT physicals, I understand that even if the drug is not on a list, they have to make a judgment call on your ability to drive a truck safely.
-
Most antidepressants won't affect your work abilities.. But keep your meds in the proper prescription bottle with the doctor, your name and what the meds are clearly on the bottle. Always ask your doctor or phamistist about the meds. Some over the counter cough surip will affect your driving .. Or cold meds.. But never put other meds or other people's meds in your meds bottles. It is illegal to have other people's meds.
-
Then any changes in your medical history requires approval by a DOT physician which means another physical even if your medical card isn't expired.
I'm sure many drivers experienced a company paid physical where they are given the long form in a sealed envelope and told to give it to the company. Companies don't want short time applicants getting free medical cards. They can do this because the driver signed a release. Drivers in that case can request a copy of the long form from the doctor and they have to give it to you.
[TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
For Jim...
luvtotruck Thanks this. -
-
where do you find this list that says you can or cant take your meds?
-
It's sounds you really you like really need to become knowable on medications and drug testing, I only advice I cab get would be to get hold of a greenpocketbook FMCSR's and go through section 40 and other ref. that deal with medication. Then when you find the one you use go to the boss and check with him. then you've CYA
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 2