Medications Your Allowed To Take?

Im new here and waiting on funding from my career link center to begin cdl school. I was reading how one trainee was told he couldnt take certian pain meds while driving. I take adderall for ADHD does anyone know if that will be a issue for me when getting my physical im in PA if it matters just dont want to go start school then be told I couldn't continue because of my medication.

I have spent alot of time researching this topic and can find no clear cut book or list of medications that are banned for use by CDL holders. I've found many forum topics on the legally prescribed use of Adderall while holding a CDL and have come up with 2 conclusions. 1) If your psych signs an official waiver that states you are taking Adderall for the treatment of ADHD and it has no adverse effects on your driving ability you're OK. 2) Any class of drug labeled under "controlled substance" (which Adderall is) will disqualify you from holding a medical certificate, thus disqualifying your CDL.

I've read that Adderall will show up on a urine test positive for Amphetamines. I wish I could find a clear cut answer to whether or not you can drive with a doctor’s release. Next I'll try researching a CDL medical office that deals exclusively with CDL medical certificates and see if I can hear it from the horse’s mouth.

It's true that Adderall will sometimes (always?) test positive for amphetamines. My suggestion is that you have a heart to heart talk with your doctor about your specific concern. Ask him to change your medication to something other than a Schedule II controlled substance.

I spoke to a clinic the services a CDL school and the doc told me straight out that as long as the prescribing physician gives a waiver clearly stating that the medication does not impair your ability to drive the truck, then they will allow you in. Hope that helps.

Since I am also very new to the trucking business and waiting to get the green light for school myself I'm not able to answer whether or not you'll be DQ'd, BUT it just happens my background is in mental health so I have a ton of knowledge of various medications. Being that Adderall is a combination of amphetamines it WILL show up in a urine sample if you take a dose within 24hrs of providing a sample. Adderall does have a fairly short half life, about 12-14 hours, with total excretion from the body taking around 48-72 hours depending on dosage and individual metabolism. Everybody is different. All that said, you could potentially get past the initial testing if you plan ahead, but if you got called in to do a random you would be putting your career on the line. Considering what not having your medication can do it's not worth risking your career AND your health. I highly recommend talking to a doc that understands DOT regs. Worst case scenario you get switched over to a different medication.

I have similar issues and have been looking for an answer all over the place. I have a chronic pain disorder and take a low dose (2.5 to 5 mg) once or twice a day of oxycodone. In the summer I usually only need 2.5 at night. I also take Seroquil XR and Mirapex for restless leg. I called the recruiter for the company and asked if my medications disqualify me and I was told that she would have to ask the safety manager but I haven't heard back from her (been over a month). My meds do not affect my ability to drive. The oxy has no affect on me in low dose and on the rare occasions I have to take more it makes me feel like I've drank a quad espresso. My script allows me up to 4x 5mg a day and I have had the same script for 4 1/2 years without increasing it.

My Dr. Did my DOT for my CDL permit and I have documentation from her stating my meds don't adversely affect my ability to operate any vehicle safely. What I found at DOT's website is:

(ii) Does not use any non-Schedule I drug or substance that is identified in the other Schedules in 21 part 1308 except when the use is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner, as defined in § 382.107, who is familiar with the driver's medical history and has advised the driver that the substance will not adversely affect the driver's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Last Thursday I saw a doctor and asked for a prescription NSAID so I could stop the oxy long enough for the pre employment screen. Over the counters don't work but the one he prescribed is. Problem is I don't want to take it long term because it (as well as most NSAID'S) damage the liver with extended use.

If I read DOT accurately then legally I should be fine. I also didn't see anything on the DOT site about 30 days before driving again after taking a narcotic but it seems to me that if you have the documentation from your Dr. Stating it doesn't affect your ability to operate a CV safely it shouldn't matter.

It may seem from my meds that I'm in horrible shape but I'm not. My conditions are managed and I can work, and work safely. I really want to drive. If I like it as much as I think I will I intend to buy my own truck after 6 months.

I would appreciate any information, confirmation, ideas, etc anyone could provide.

Thanks!

I had my doc write a letter for me and other than a typo abrevating CDL I think he typed CDM I need to look I kniw the llast letter is wrong but he put that ive been on it for 10 years and that I can operate a CDL under the medication. I spoke to the school im waiting on for funding and the lady did say I should be fine they really are concererned about high blood pressure and diabetes. Im hoping to attend Lancater county career and tech center in mt joy PA anyone have any reviews for the school

I had my doc write a letter for me and other than a typo abrevating CDL I think he typed CDM I need to look I kniw the llast letter is wrong but he put that ive been on it for 10 years and that I can operate a CDL under the medication. I spoke to the school im waiting on for funding and the lady did say I should be fine they really are concererned about high blood pressure and diabetes. Im hoping to attend Lancater county career and tech center in mt joy PA anyone have any reviews for the school

So with the Doctor's note your good to go huh?

I'm in a similar boat. I'm trying to get a job with a power company. I told the Nurse that I took Adderall in the PAST. She started freaking out saying how law she gots to report it. Now I'm waiting on my doc to give the go ahead. Let me know whats going on. https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-4153/Page-1/

Im new here and waiting on funding from my career link center to begin cdl school. I was reading how one trainee was told he couldnt take certian pain meds while driving. I take adderall for ADHD does anyone know if that will be a issue for me when getting my physical im in PA if it matters just dont want to go start school then be told I couldn't continue because of my medication.

Hello everyone, I'm new here but I wanted to post some facts, since this is a nationwide problem that I've been experiencing.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed a medication like ADDERRALL as I am, and the company finds out about it and refuses to hire you, IT IS A FEDERAL VIOLATION OF ADAA LAW AND ACCOMMODATION.

I am in the middle of several suits against trucking companies for doing clear discrimination against me. One of the last ones, I even had a man from the EEOC in Washington, D.C. on the speaker phone, and he was yelling at the individual in the office, who refused to comply with the laws.

Now, I have a perfect MVR , and also DOT Physical, and each and every single MRO has passed me because my Rx is LEGALLY PRESCRIBED and this last one called me the other day to tell me to SUE THE HELL OUT OF THEM for violating not only the laws, but also my rights. He freaked out because I was cut loose BEFORE HE EVEN HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ME REGARDING MY URINE TEST SHOWING POSITIVE!!! Once I told him my Rx, offered to send photos of the Rx and my physicians letter, all is LEGAL....JUST NOT THE TRUCKING COMPANY....

You see, this yahoo with the company that has nothing to do with hiring, and he went through my private medical information (which I've also been told was illegally acquired - Demanded prior to hiring, under threat of not providing it would ban me) and once he saw my disclosure on my long form approx. 10 months earlier for another company, he deemed me "Disqualified". He stated, "Anyone that comes to us with ADD or ADHD and is on Adderral, they are immediately DISQUALIFIED!"

Well, as the EEOC gentleman explained; I have an excellent case and to immediately file against them, since I will get a free attorney, and they'll not only sue on my behalf for my rights being violated, but they will also be forced to comply with the Federal Laws. He stated over the speaker; "This isn't going to cost hundreds or thousands, but hundreds of thousands of dollars, and while you may want to work for these people now, the payoff will be huge later, and no matter what YOU do...these jerks are NEVER going to hire you because they have it out for you!"

I went back to the hotel, filled out the form, and waited for the call. The next morning, this same A-Hole whom had gone through my private medical information stated once again, that even though he is reading the actual Federal Law, WHERE IT IS WRITTEN "EXEMPT IS BY PRESCRIPTION", he states that THEY CAN MAKE THEIR OWN COMPANIES RULES STRICTER! At that moment, I clicked SUBMIT! You see...THEY CAN'T!!!

FEDERAL LAWS SUPERSEDE EVERYTHING!!!

I've had it with these jerks. I am a FANTASTIC driver, have been around it my entire life, score perfect on all tests, can work on my own rig, drive anything you put in front of me, livestock, flat, reefer , box, straight, farming, construction....all of it. I've had no issues ever.... but yes, there are many whom are refusing to comply....so take my advice and tape record your meetings, phone calls (as I do), keep records AND FILE WITH THE EEOC! It's blatant discrimination! They complain of -100% rate...it's their fault!

Oh and for these idiots to say it's okay for us to drive with a diagnosis of ADHD and NOT be on our meds...that's INSANE!!! IF we get into an accident, it's the same as a DUI!!! Oh but they says it's okay for us to be driving an 80,000 bullet in rush hour traffic, not being able to focus and pay attention??

Soon enough, the media will be knocking on some doors.....and I have a very long, and continually growing list of offenders of the Federal Laws....They're going to look pretty silly on National TV.

Good Luck all, and don't let them screw you over! You worked hard to get where you are, demand compliance oh AND IF they refuse, sue them for the cost of your CDL Education, travel and everything else....including loss of wages and damages.

Hello everyone, I'm new here but I wanted to post some facts, since this is a nationwide problem that I've been experiencing.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed a medication like ADDERRALL as I am, and the company finds out about it and refuses to hire you, IT IS A FEDERAL VIOLATION OF ADAA LAW AND ACCOMMODATION.

I am in the middle of several suits against trucking companies for doing clear discrimination against me. One of the last ones, I even had a man from the EEOC in Washington, D.C. on the speaker phone, and he was yelling at the individual in the office, who refused to comply with the laws.

Now, I have a perfect MVR , and also DOT Physical, and each and every single MRO has passed me because my Rx is LEGALLY PRESCRIBED and this last one called me the other day to tell me to SUE THE HELL OUT OF THEM for violating not only the laws, but also my rights. He freaked out because I was cut loose BEFORE HE EVEN HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ME REGARDING MY URINE TEST SHOWING POSITIVE!!! Once I told him my Rx, offered to send photos of the Rx and my physicians letter, all is LEGAL....JUST NOT THE TRUCKING COMPANY....

You see, this yahoo with the company that has nothing to do with hiring, and he went through my private medical information (which I've also been told was illegally acquired - Demanded prior to hiring, under threat of not providing it would ban me) and once he saw my disclosure on my long form approx. 10 months earlier for another company, he deemed me "Disqualified". He stated, "Anyone that comes to us with ADD or ADHD and is on Adderral, they are immediately DISQUALIFIED!"

Well, as the EEOC gentleman explained; I have an excellent case and to immediately file against them, since I will get a free attorney, and they'll not only sue on my behalf for my rights being violated, but they will also be forced to comply with the Federal Laws. He stated over the speaker; "This isn't going to cost hundreds or thousands, but hundreds of thousands of dollars, and while you may want to work for these people now, the payoff will be huge later, and no matter what YOU do...these jerks are NEVER going to hire you because they have it out for you!"

I went back to the hotel, filled out the form, and waited for the call. The next morning, this same A-Hole whom had gone through my private medical information stated once again, that even though he is reading the actual Federal Law, WHERE IT IS WRITTEN "EXEMPT IS BY PRESCRIPTION", he states that THEY CAN MAKE THEIR OWN COMPANIES RULES STRICTER! At that moment, I clicked SUBMIT! You see...THEY CAN'T!!!

FEDERAL LAWS SUPERSEDE EVERYTHING!!!

I've had it with these jerks. I am a FANTASTIC driver, have been around it my entire life, score perfect on all tests, can work on my own rig, drive anything you put in front of me, livestock, flat, reefer , box, straight, farming, construction....all of it. I've had no issues ever.... but yes, there are many whom are refusing to comply....so take my advice and tape record your meetings, phone calls (as I do), keep records AND FILE WITH THE EEOC! It's blatant discrimination! They complain of -100% rate...it's their fault!

Oh and for these idiots to say it's okay for us to drive with a diagnosis of ADHD and NOT be on our meds...that's INSANE!!! IF we get into an accident, it's the same as a DUI!!! Oh but they says it's okay for us to be driving an 80,000 bullet in rush hour traffic, not being able to focus and pay attention??

Soon enough, the media will be knocking on some doors.....and I have a very long, and continually growing list of offenders of the Federal Laws....They're going to look pretty silly on National TV.

Good Luck all, and don't let them screw you over! You worked hard to get where you are, demand compliance oh AND IF they refuse, sue them for the cost of your CDL Education, travel and everything else....including loss of wages and damages.

Really admire your tenacity. Thank you for all your documentation of this ordeal. We all have a lot to offer these companies who claim they are desperate for good drivers. I say if you care about yourself, your fellow man on and off the road, your're going to be a blessing to the industry and not a curse. The federal govt has a lot of nerve when it comes to putting hard-working people out of business by their never-ending laundry list of often impossible rules and regs and allowing everybody and their illegal brothers over the border to drive cars and trucks in our nation. Pain management is big American business, and I know there are a lot better things out there for treating a whole lot of it. Okay, off my soap box. Thanks again.