Dot Physical with antipsychotics

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by FutureTrucker2046, Jul 19, 2025.

  1. FutureTrucker2046

    FutureTrucker2046 Bobtail Member

    12
    9
    Jul 16, 2025
    0
    Want to get my CDL class a soon. Wondering if I can even pass a dot physical. I have history of depression and anxiety, OCD, ADHD. I am getting better and lowering my meds.

    I guess my question can dot see my medical history with my phycologist and pharmacy? I’m trying to get off my meds maybe be off them in 6-12 months completely but will they look into my past?Will I be automatically disqualified?

    currently on doxepin and fluvoxamine which I read can show up as a false positive.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

    4,508
    6,174
    Sep 17, 2012
    0
    They can’t see your history but you supposed to tell the truth on the form. I was a kid in the 80s people were depressed but they did not give out so much prescriptions like they do today. In the late 90s and early 2000 every kid was getting ADHD and all kinds of anxiety and stuff. I’m not saying it 100% wrong but lots people say they went overboard with.

    I don’t know about the drugs your on but they sound not good if you planning on driving a truck. Maybe you can get off some of that stuff. If it not really necessary.
     
  4. FutureTrucker2046

    FutureTrucker2046 Bobtail Member

    12
    9
    Jul 16, 2025
    0
    yea I’m trying to get off of everything lowering the dose every few weeks tried stopping them completely cold turkey and physically felt like death
     
    Rideandrepair and Wargames Thank this.
  5. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

    4,508
    6,174
    Sep 17, 2012
    0
    Their is a DOT list somewhere on internet of drugs that drivers can’t take. Anything antipsychotic has to be on that list I bet.

    Drivers can’t even have alcohol in the cab of truck. People are going to cut you off in traffic. Today other trucks drivers now stop on the shoulder of road and when going again they just pull out in front of going 35MPH. It’s crazy they are drivers from different countries or something is wrong with them.

    You have the pressure of no parking spots available at end of day, by law you are required to stop. So it like they are saying you have to stop driving not matter what. Ok , but no parking spots available are available and you can’t park on exits ramps. It’s a little messed up.
     
  6. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

    2,159
    4,929
    Oct 31, 2023
    0
    FMCSA requires a 5 panel test. Look it up but I'm sure those drugs you've mentioned are not one of the panels. They can't see your medical history so you have nothing to worry about there either.
     
  7. jarhead0311

    jarhead0311 Road Train Member

    1,755
    4,173
    Jun 17, 2013
    Buckhannon,WV
    0
    You should be ok, I take venlafaxine and aripriprazole for anxiety and ptsd and still get a two year physical card. Always good to research though.
     
  8. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

    5,107
    12,892
    Feb 19, 2012
    CC, TX
    0
    First, please don't make any changes to your medication without clearing it with your dr first. The kind of meds that psychiatrists prescribe can seriously F you up if you get off of them too fast, especially cold turkey.

    As far as the meds affecting your medical card, I don't see doxepin or fluvoxamine on the list so I think you're good, but even if they were on the list you'd still be good if your doctor determined "that the substance will not adversely affect the driver's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle."


    Regulation:
    Federal Register :: Request Access

    Drug list referenced in the regulation:
    Federal Register :: Request Access
     
    Rideandrepair, Wargames, Tb0n3 and 2 others Thank this.
  9. FutureTrucker2046

    FutureTrucker2046 Bobtail Member

    12
    9
    Jul 16, 2025
    0
    appreciate it, I’m tapering slowly. This doctor is nice about it my previous doctor wouldn’t help me
     
  10. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Medium Load Member

    656
    3,348
    Mar 3, 2025
    Fort Worth, TX
    0
    You might need those meds once you begin your career.
     
  11. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Trucking is maybe one of the most stressful & isolating jobs in the country. This is like throwing away a wheelchair & signing up to run a marathon at the same time. You'll get minimal sleep always be lost or almost lost & in the biggest vehicle your ever seen.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.