Has Anyone Been Able To Get A Dot Med Card While On Vicodin

I was wondering if anyone has got a med card while having a prescription for Vicodin with a letter from prescribing physician letter of opinion saying it won't affect your ability to perform your job

I work for Prime and I seriously doubt they would allow it. They also disallow many anxiety and depression meds that are not addictive.

Someone else stated on the other thread you started on the same topic it depends on the company. You then stated the swift recruiter told you that with documentation you could get a waiver.

What more do you want? That's as much "official" info you are going to get on the subject. DOT passing or not, each company determines for them selves what is allowed and their doctors oblige.

Its not about you, its about lawsuits. Allowing a driver to take such meds opens them up for larger law suits. New drovers have accidents. It is almost inevitable. Allowing a new driver to take such meds could cost them a lot of money.

I'm sorry. Find out who swifts doctors are and calk to ask. That is the best answer you are going to get.

I found this link on the FMCSA website: What medications disqualify a CMV driver?

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.

My guess is that it's highly unlikely you'll be certified while on Vicodin, but you may possibly find a DOT doctor who will do it. But, as Rainy pointed out, even if you are certified, the company you want to drive for will have the final say. I'd be pretty surprised if you found a decent carrier willing to take you on with that kind of liability.

I think Swift uses Concentra health care pretty much everywhere. I've had two dot physicals there and a random drug test.

JJ

A recruiter is NOT in a position to make that decision, only the safety/personnel departments of Swift can make a call like that.

So my question to you is this; "if Swift has zero tolerance for a only a trace amount of blood alcohol, do you think they are lenient about the prescribed use of Vicodin?"

Seth...you need to work with your Doctor to find a non-narcotic, opioid-free alternative. No reputable carrier is going to allow a driver to operate under the influence of Vicodin; percsription or otherwise.

Even if you manage to get a waiver for your physical you wont be able to take it while on the road. Look at the little sticker on your bottle: "Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on this medication."

If your back has deteriorated to the point of requiring daily pain medication you may want to rethink this career choice. Your back is going to take some punishment out here.

Thanks for the info .i was getting a lot of conflicting answers .and the Fed reg how's that exception clause.and i was told don't believe my recruiter.i.dont have a problem not taking them but the DOT physical will have access to my medical records and know I got a prescription so i was just wanting to.see if I'd be disqualified automatically and just be out the money for the test the letter from my doctor would allow me to pass it but it's really vague because it's seems to be just up to the cme. Anyway I appreciate all the info guys thanks a lot

Im sure driving is hard on you but its something I've always wanted to do .and I've done painting and drywall since i was 12 . So to me its just part of working .i really do appreciate the help all i can do is pay the money. And hope for the best. Thanks for the advice.