Profile For Kamal S.

A driver cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner. If a driver uses a drug identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b)(12)) or any other substance such as amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit forming drug, The driver is medically unqualified. There is an exception: the prescribing doctor can write that the driver is safe to be a commercial driver while taking the medication. In this case, the Medical Examiner may, but does not have to certify the driver. Any anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying. The Medical Examiner has 2 ways to determine if any medication a driver uses will adversely affect safe operation of a CMV: 1. Review each medication - prescription, non-prescription and supplement 2. Request a letter from the prescribing doctor

This was taken from the FMCSA website. Prescrition sleep-aids and benzos should not be used at all because of the "sleep-driving" side affect.

I read that and I'll ask my doc about it since it's not expressly a sleep aid. It's an antidepressant and isn't habit forming to my knowledge.. I just get it filled on base normally and it doesn't require the extra steps that some of those that the habit forming meds do.

I stumbled across this site in my search for info on trucking as a career after my life in the Navy. I always loved trucks from a young age and have done several cross country trips with family that drove so I do believe it's a great fit for me. My question is this, I've already decided that I want to pull tankers and know there is a bit of physicality involved with that. Will certain medications that have been prescribed for me due to a back injury prevent me from being employed? These are non-narcotic in nature and I only take them towards the night time or whenever I'm preparing for sleep and will be sleeping for 8-10 hours. In the Navy we were required to submit to random urinalysis and would only be required to notate that we were taking medication, so anything found would not be flagged. I'm already looking to get my CDL through a skillsbridge program or using my benefits to get it done after my current workday. I appreciate any comments and advice that is offered up. I'm looking for more military friendly employers that pull food grade tankers since Schneider requires tanker drivers to be clean shaven and that's not an option for me due to my skin type.