Disqualifying prescription medications

OK..a bit strange, replying to my own question: As long as I have a prescription for the Hydrocodone that was given to me by my Dentist,I am OK to drive. I called FMCSA Atlanta GA, and spoke to their medical dept , and was told that as long as a licensed , medical practitioner,has prescribed the meds, even if I have finished taking them ,i.e, like now the pills are over , but the drug will remain in my system for the next 6 days , I am OK. If drug tested , still OK, with the record of a legitimate prescription.

 

I am currently taking a class A CDL Course. I am currently taking a 2mg Xanax twice a day for anxiety and insomnia, also I am taking one 30mg adderall a day for ADD. I have a knee injury that requires surgery but I can't afford to miss work and class until I finish and get money saved to pay bills for 3 months while I'm out of work. I will probably have to take some narcotic pain killers until I can afford to get the surgery. As long as my doctors approve me to drive a tractor trailer. Can I still get a job with a trucking company?

 

I am currently taking a class A CDL Course and I am interested in a trucking career. I'm currently taking a 2mg Xanax twice a day for anxiety and insomnia, and I take a 30mg adderall a day for ADD. I have a knee injury that requires surgery but I can't afford to miss work or class until I save money for while I'm out of work from the surgery. I am currently taking hydrocodone but it's not helping. I am being referred to pain management and my doctor said I need something stronger than hydrocodone. I will possible be prescribed oxycodone. If I get a note from the orthopedic doctor, pain management and my psychiatrist saying that I can operate at CMV. Will I be able to obtain my class A CDL and get a job with a trucking company?

 

I had 4 back surgeries and a number of different meds. That was 20 years ago and I have not been in a truck since. Do not kid yourself, the lortab,oxy's even prescribed by a DR. alter your ability to driver sharply. Even the other drugs you take would be in question. You may feel ok but what happens if you get into an accident at no fault of your. They take your piss test and now the accident is you fault. I wouldn't want to be you.

 

In this day and age companies are fortunate enough to have someone show up with a pulse rate to drag their wagons across country. Face it kids,,tally up the hours and you are working for minimum wage.

 

That may be so. That's why I'm Glad I'm RETIRED.

 

I know a trucker that takes Klonipin and Xanaxs while driving. He also drinks twisted tea alot while driving. He also did not tell whatever Dr. That gives health cards to them that he was taking these drugs. Klonipin, celexa, and Buspar is what he's prescribed. He buys the Xanaxs off the streets. Who can I speak to about this? His employer knows and doesn't care as long as he gets the job done. He drives eractically. Weaves in and out of traffic. Speeds up to 95 miles an hour. He adjust his log books to show breaks but he rarely takes them. He was recently pulled over in Montana for speeding, almost 20 miles over the legal speed limit and he hadn't taken his 34 hour reset time. They shut him down for that time then run 20 hrs solid by taking sinus meds to keep him awake. I have rode in the truck with this man for 3months. He is a very scary driver when he has a panic attack behind the wheel. I have witnessed not only eractic and psychotic behavior but dangerous and very scary driving habits. He wont go to a big company because he stated he would not be able to drive and will not do the E-logs. He claims to be an Outlaw Trucker and is very dangerous. He videos while going down the interstates. He almost wrecked on many occassions. He swaps lanes without signaling. He also is on internet sites that he's is constantly on behind the wheel. We have went into other lanes by accident from him not paying attention to the roads. I am very afraid someone is gonna get hurt. He says he doesn't care about the 4 wheelers cause they would die first. Can anyone help me of who I need to contact?

 

If it's that bad you can call the Department of Transportation. I believe it's in Georgia. But even a local DOT would get him off the road.

 

can I take Loratab as long as I'm prescribed to take it

 

The requirements in the FMCSR are not very detailed but it does leave you a method to follow. As far what I understand now is all you have to have is the doctor who is aware of what you do. He talks it over with you if the medication interferes with driving and so on. That's it. But just to be on the safe side I'd get a letter from the doctor that he is aware of the medication and your job. Take that letter to the company and present it to them.