SEROQUEL and driving Trucks

I take it for PTSD along with other stuff and didn’t have a issue passing a drug test

 

Most don't but there is also some what a problem when people are first put on it, medical mental care isn't scientific to the point that a pill or treatment will control the problem instantly, it sometimes takes time to work it all out.

 

I had a letter from my Dr just in case I needed it

 

please allow me to chime in as someone who has experience getting doctors notes from psychiatrist and doctors regarding these types of meds and passing drug tests. All you need on your DOT physical is a letter from your doctor saying: to whom it may concern,your name is stable on said medications and is under my care. they safe to drive a commercial motor vehicle while taking said prescriptions. if you have any questions, you can reach my office at 123-123-1234. and a signature from prescribing doctor.
The keywords need to be said are stable on said medications. the same goes for any type of medication such as high blood pressure, CPAP usage and compliance.

 

If you kill someone that doctors note wont matter

 

you're 100% correct but nobody should be driving a CMV if they're not stable on the medication. if they regularly see a licensed mental health counselor via telehealth and get regularly psychiatric evaluations from psychiatrist, then yes you could drive one. It is up to the psychiatrist discretion on whether or not you get cleared to drive a commercial motor vehicle based on their opinion on your ability too.

for instance if the OP has a clear stable history then there should be no problems providing he or she follows up regularly with the psychiatrist and with a licensed mental health professional.

 

This is not as cut and dried as this. I am going to tag @brian991219 so he can add if I am wrong about something. When it comes to fitness to drive, the ultimate authority is the Medical Examiner who does your physical. Nobody subject to CFR 49 that performs safety sensitive jobs can use any other substance such as amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug. The driver is medically unqualified if they do. The DOT has provided an exception and that is if the Medical Examiner clears you to take them and places this on the physical long form. Then the FMCSA has published guidance to these MEs on how to handle things. This guidebook, the last time I looked, has 137 pages. The FMCSA has delegated a lot of decision making authority to the MEs. It is important to remember your private medical provider (UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO YOUR ME) is not the final authority on fitness to drive.

The absolute best advice I can give ANYBODY taking medications, EVEN something as simple as Amlodipine, to make sure it is listed on that physical long form and cleared by the ME as well as your carrier's safety dept.

There is a lot of horse manure all over the trucking world when it comes to this topic. Carrier A might be OK with you taking this drug, but carrier B might prohibit it. Both are right. I am going to repeat something I have said in this forum, in others just like it, in Facebook groups, and sitting at truck stop coffee counters over the years. STOP listening to truck stop Attorneys and self-proclaimed "Experts" when it comes to a driver's fitness to drive. Speak to your carrier's safety dept and make dang sure the ME who is doing the physical is also onboard, because trust me comment #55 is absolutely 100% true especially if you have bypassed the ME.

 

The thing is you are right, but if something changes and this change causes a change, or even worse, the accident was not the fault of the driver, still the driver's health and driving history are going to go under a microscope. Anything out of order is coming back on the driver. This is why I wrote that last paragraph in my last comment. DO NOT LEAVE LOOSE THREADS that an Attorney can find and pull on.

 

There are two considerations when taking a prescription medication that is not directly prohibited such as an opioid. First, the prescribing doctor must write a note certifying that they have "advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle."

This is enough for the period of time the Rx is first issued and thru the expiration of their current medical certification. When they take their next medical exam they must present the letter from the prescribing doctor and disclose the medication on the long form. This is when the DOT certified medical examiner gets a chance to weigh in.

I disagree with this process as it leaves open a window for use of a dangerous substance with just a regular doctor's approval, however the FMCSA does not allow a current employer to require a new medical exam for current employees when their previously accepted certificate is still valid.

 

I will agree 110% with the statement. my concern about the OP is that he or she may get out there and find out that the medication's and driving do not go well together.

one thing that many people fail to consider is that when taking such medications, it's advised to take them before they go to bed. So that when you wake up you're fully rested and you're ready to go. You're not drowsy so on and so forth. This is why it's recommended to take these types of medications at bedtime.

some medication's have the warning of this may interfere with operating machinery. it's always best to be honest with your psychiatrist about your career ambitions and not lie your way through a DOT physical. Like one member said, if you get into an accident, everything's gonna be scrutinized to the T.