A Question About Anxiety Medications....

If i were to be on an anxiety medication such as Xanax, prescribed by my DR, and taking only as needed. Can I still drive a CMV? I have an interview with a company here within 7 days and I've been tapering down my dose everyday just in case they test for it... So my question is... If they test for benzodiazepines will I be disqualified until its out of my system? I have a written paper from my doctor saying I can preform the duties needed in a safe manner while taking my prescription as needed... Basically I'm wondering how often do they test for benzo's. Is it required they test for it? Any help would greatly be appreciated... A year and a half ago I was on it and I was driving a beer truck (semi with 48 foot trailer), and they allowed me to be on it with a written note from my doctor saying I can preform the duties safely while taking the prescription... Has the law changed in the last year? ANY help on this situation will greatly be appreciated!! Thank you!

I'm not correct, but I think benzodiazepines are disqualifying...

From the FMCSR

Benzodiazepines lower your rea tion time which isn't good as a driver.

You can always go to a certified dot physical and ask them if it would DQ you. If it does, you'll need to stop taking them and find an approved medication for anxiety.

It takes up to 90 days+ for benzodiazepines to exit your system.

I'm not correct, but I think benzodiazepines are disqualifying...

From the FMCSR

Benzodiazepines lower your rea tion time which isn't good as a driver.

You can always go to a certified dot physical and ask them if it would DQ you. If it does, you'll need to stop taking them and find an approved medication for anxiety.

It takes up to 90 days+ for benzodiazepines to exit your system.

Thanks for the input David. I did some digging and called a dot physical clinic and its a difficult subject, you won't be automatically DQ'd if u test positive for benzodiazepines, you'll need a written letter from your doctor saying you can perform the job duties safely while taking the medication. I was driving in Wisconsin for almost two years on it my DR wrote a letter stating I'm okay to drive if I take it as prescribed... But I take less than prescribed. The dr takes your driving record into consideration before they will "okay" you. My driving record is clean thankfully. But benzodiazepines aren't on the DOT 5 panel test. The one that says benzoylegonine (sp?) is actually a cocaine metabolite. It'll only show up if you do cocaine they use it as a "fingerprint" because only cocaine will break down into that... But thanks for the reply and any more information would greatly be appreciated! But yes, benzodiazepines can slow down your reaction time, specially if you just got on them, but I've been on them for say 5 years and take less than prescribed. Clean MDR/MVR. No accidents when I was driving a semi or car, no tickets actually besides a trailer registration ticket, which was my fathers trailer, I know it's my fault cause I drove it but it's a none-moving violation. That's the only thing I've had a ticket for... Hopefully I'll get this job! Crossing my fingers, I renewed my fed med card on my own last month, took a drug test and got the 2 year maximum FedMed card... But I obviously need to do it again cause it's a new company (pre-employment).

I went through orientation with Werner and was disqualified for taking Effexor 35mg.