Dilantin prescribed today, Now What ??

http://www.drugs.com/dilantin.html

 

if your suspected of having seizures your CDL is gone. My wife has very mild epilepsy, controlled by meds, has never had a seizure behind the wheel, and usually goes about 2 yrs without one, she can never get a CDL.

 

391.41(b)(EIGHT) Hey rwsj! Check out this section at FMCSA.

 

From what you say, those 'attacks' are not fits, but more like a warning aura, which commonly precede fits. So if the Dilantin stops that, and you never have a proper fit, I guess there isn't a problem, its kinda anticipating a problem before it exists!

But one of the side effects of Dilantin is a tremor like eye movement called nystagmus, which might be a problem, if for no other reason that if the cops pull your over they will think you have been drinking!

IMHO, the next step would be to get a diagnosis from the doc so you know exactly what you are dealing with, and then read up and take it from there.

 

Take it from someone that has Epilepsy if that is what they are diagnosing you with. Your Driving days are DONE OVER. Your cdl just got shredded put in some dog food and fed to the meanest Rott they can find. I was diagnosed at 25 Never had had a seizure in my freaking life til then still am not under control I had a closed head injury and that started mine.

 

When I posted the FMCSA reg, I was hoping that it would shed light on your situation. The wording in the reg that got my attention was:

"If an individual has had a sudden episode of a nonepileptic seizure or loss of consciousness of unknown cause which did not require antiseizure medication, the decision as to whether that person's condition will likely cause the loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle is made on an individual basis by the medical examiner in consultation with the treating physician. Before certification is considered, it is suggested that a 6-month waiting period elapse from the time of the episode. Following the waiting period, it is suggested that the individual have a complete neurological examination. If the results of the examination are negative and antiseizure medication is not required, then the driver may be qualified.
In those individual cases where a driver had a seizure or an episode of loss of consciousness that resulted from a known medical condition (e.g., drug reaction, high temperature, acute infectious disease, dehydration, or acute metabolic disturbance), certification should be deferred until the driver has fully recovered from that condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking antiseizure medication."


From your original post I gathered that your problems stemmed from the encephalitis. The paragraphs in the reg seem to allow more latitude if the driver has not been diagnosed with epilepsy. My questions are: 1) Is either of your docs a neurologist? 2) Did doc #2 insist that you begin taking the Dilantin ASAP or was there to be more discussion between the two of you? 3) Doc #2 asked if you had had a seizure? (Your post didn't say if you had).

My dad has been on Dilantin since surgery to remove a huge, though benign, tumor on his brain. He did have seizures from time to time, even on the Dilantin. (It took a while to get levels adjusted). He then went seizure free for a couple of years and was declared OK to drive. He's now 84 and stays "in the road". He still takes Dilantin though.

I know this is an apples and oranges comparison. He's just a 4-wheeler and holders of CDLs are held to a higher standard. But you seem very distressed (very understandable) about your situation and I only hoped to offer a very uneducated suggestion about an avenue of approach.

Bottom line: Hang with the doc(s) until you resolve your distress. Make them understand, if they don't already understand, what the net effect is to you if you go on an anti-seizure med. (You also didn't say if you had begun taking the Dilantin). Regardless of anything else, get this resolved one way or the other.

Another reason I keyed in on your post is that I, too, hope to put 10-15 years in as a commercial driver. I know how I would feel if something rose up to bring my hopes to a end. I truly, truly wish you the very best and will hope and pray right along with you that you get back in the first seat!

 

God speed, my friend!