Hello everyone. Some med questions

They don't test for benzos or antidepressants. I definitely wouldn't mention it to anyone though. That includes the doc giving you the physical, or anyone working for or with the company you want to work for. Keep your mouth shut about it.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/drug/engtesting.htm

 

You'll risk yourself to not mention the meds you're on. Some ccompanies are going to be like a noose on this subject. Just do the right thing. How do they affect you to be able to handle an 79000 pound nuclear weapon at points? Are you able to function properly after a dose? I really don't know for sure. But good luck! And be honest with you.

 

I can inform you without hesitation that benzodiazipines are tested in a standard 7 panel urine screen.. This is the UDS (Urine Drug Screen) that the DOT requires.. Most other SUI (Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors) are not screened for.. If your doctor perscribes a benzo, and will sign off on a perscription waiver it can be allowed by DOT.. But, the other side of this is that most companies; more importantly insurance companies will not allow any Benzo, opiate, or barbituate perscriptions by CMV operators.. As far as not reporting them, this could also be a big issue.. You could stop taking them for 5-7 days and most metabilites are out of your system and undetectable and never report them to your company.. But if you started taking them again and showed positive on a random screen or UDS, then you have a positive UDS result on your record and will never be employed by another company.. Have you discussed this w/ your councelor? They may have other options for you, and mgiht even have a better combo of meds that will meet DOT regs.. talk to your Doc, and don't risk playing the hiding game.

Also remember that if you take benzos for a prolong period of time, the metabilites can build up in your soft tissue cells and still have a positive result further out then 7 days.

 

Good luck getting hired on benzos. Let us know how that works out for you.

 

Some good info in this thread . http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ers/170103-any-anxiety-meds-ok-drive-cmv.html

 

When it comes to what meds you can use for anxiety, first it must meet DOT regs.. Generally ther are 7 meds/ drugs that the DOT consider disqualifing.. Cocaine, Amphetamines, Marijuana(THC), MDMA(MethelenDioxy-MethelAmphetamine, a.k.a. Ectasy), Benzodiazipines, Opiates, and Barbituates.. Of these 7 only benzos, opiates, and barbituates have any medical clearence by DOT.. Then you have to have a Dr. sign off on your use while driving.. Now for anxiety itself, their is many other psychotropic drugs that the DOT will allow w/ Dr. perscription and care.. SUI's and SRRI's the most common used, but a physician can also employ other meds such as betablockers and tricyclics.. These are not on the DOT list, and have minimal side effects such as drowsiness.. It really depends on what is cuasing the anxiety in the first place- i.e. palpitations, fear, hypertension, or a combination of pyschosomatic disorders.. In my experience as an ER nurse for over 17yrs and in the medical industry for 23, benzos' are a quick fix for anxiety and never intended for long term use.. In studies benzos' loose their effectiviness after 1-3 months use, the patient builds a tolerence to med requiring increased dosages, and the underlying reason for the anxiety never addressed.. Like any illness/disease/injury the primary cause must be addressed or your just throwing a cup of water on a bonfire..

So like always talk to your Dr. let him know your concerns and what you want to accomplish.. Don't lie to your employer about any meds..

Hope this helped answer your questions, have any more just ask.