Prescription Meds In Trucking

Hi all, this is my first post here. I've thought a lot about becoming an OTR driver over the years, and I've reached a point where I'd like to go for it. I know my prescription meds will be a problem though and I wanted some advice on how to go about things legitimately, even if that advice ends up being to get off the meds before trying this career. I take Trazadone, Seroquel, and Xanax (as needed). I'm taking these for insomnia. While I'd never drive under the influence of these drugs, I understand that a trucking company probably wouldn't see it that way. Based on the research I've done it seems legally speaking I might be able to get a CDL with a doctor's note clearing me to drive, but some (all?) companies wouldn't be willing to hire me since they have their own policies. I know Xanax is the most likely to be an issue, and I'm not sure about the other two. I wanted some advice on how to go about this. I want to do this honestly. It sounds like recruiters from the megas are pretty easy to get ahold of, but I don't know how knowledgeable they are about situations like these. What I don't want is a situation where I end up with a failed drug test on my DAC because I show up for a company's orientation and their policies forbid something that I'm taking. What would you guys suggest I do? Should I try looking for a company that would accept me or is the situation hopeless without getting off the meds?

It's pretty much hopeless without being free of the substances for sufficient amount of time as well.

There's also an element of myth to the trucking industry running round the clock. The drivers typically do, but most of the shippers and recievers don't. Appointments are typically early morning and within business hours. It's difficult enough for a relatively common sleep schedule to get the sleep in but almost impossible for anyone with sleep schedules outside of the norm, especially with our hours of service.

I don't see it being a good fit.

Xanax is a benzo, benzos are NOT on the DOT pre employment drug screen. Technically you are good in their eyes. Now if something happened and it was found in your system, and someone found out and made a big deal about it, thay is a different story. I may be wrong, but i believe in DOT'S eyes you're good to go. I actually had a past couple worker who took Xanax, and we were driving at a dump truck company.

That is erroneous information. Certain benzodiasopens such as Valium, Zanax and other anti depressants are screened for, almost all carriers test higher than DOT , its the minimum screen. Failing a test, be it the carriers or DOT will have catastrophic concequences for your ability to get into this industry.

Take care of the underlying conditions, medications are used to treat symptoms. Insomnia in its own right is enough to seriously hamper attempting this career.