Medications

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 don’t 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.

 

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.

 

Not necessarily. If you are written a prescription drug that is is on the DOT no no list then you need a letter stating it doesn't affect your ability to drive.

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.

The final hurdle is company drivers. If you disclose it to the company they and their insurance company has the final say. One might say it's none of their business. But most drivers when they hire in sign a medical record release. I'm sure many drivers experienced going to a company paid physical only to have the doctors office give you the long form in a sealed envelope and told to give it to your company. How can they do this? You signed a release and the company paid for it. They don't want short term applicants getting free medical cards. But if one knows the system a driver can request a copy of the long form and they have to give it to you. DOT regulations for the meantime (changing soon, 1/30/14) require a driver to carry supporting documents with his medical certificate which includes the long form.

Most drivers sign a medical release when they hire in. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes they are sneaky and hide it in a company handbook you sign. Either way you play their game or you don't get hired.
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.


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For Jim...

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu...el-Psychiatric-Psychiatric-MEP-Panel-Opin.pdf

 

And then they say NEXT.

 

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