Prozac And Trucking For Crst

Hello, my first post. I've decided after a lot of research and time to become an otr trucker with crst (with someone I know). Anyways, I was prescribed prozac about 2 months ago and am worried that this could be a problem with crst. I was having problems with social anxiety, particularly in party settings / family events (lots of family). I don't think I had depression, but if I did it was minor and gone now.

So does anyone know if prozac is generally okay in trucking or better yet, if its alright at crst?

BTW, so far my plan is not to say anything, but I know I will have to tell the doctor for my medical examination. Also curious if I'm going to need a written letter from the DR that prescribed it to me, and if I do, is it okay if I don't have it when I get to school (very soon).

LOVE this forum, and all the research you have done Brett!!!!!

Derek, I'm not an expert on this subject, but I'm going to share my limited experience with you. When I went to orientation at TMC there was a driver there who got sent home for this very reason. I can't say if this is a common occurrence in the industry or not, but the physician doing the physicals at TMC would not sign off on this guy because of the Prozac. I helped him get on at Schneider without a whole lot of trouble, but he had to have a letter from the subscribing physician stating that he saw no reason for the medication to hinder his job performance in the capacity of a commercial driver. I will tell you that in my opinion it is best to be completely upfront on your long form physical because you don't want it to look like you were deceiving them when it comes out later on, which it probably will. Were I you, I would have that letter in hand before I show up for orientation. Best of luck to ya! Hope you get that job and do real well.

Thx for the info, sounds like good advice. I'll try to get a letter if possible. If anyone else has any experience with this issue let me know :)

According to what little info I could find on the subject concerning Prozac (to my knowledge is a drug for "moods" and anti-depressant) and it must be disclosed per FMCSA on all paperwork related to job applications and medical staff......meaning your DOT physical that you will have to take before you can drive a truck for ANY company governed by FMCSA rules. Its not a big deal really. Its best to disclose it now then down the road a month or two and end up being taken out of the truck and your left high and dry.

If you go to work for a company if only for a day or a week or a month and you are terminated due to NON-discloser of taking a a medication then it will be listed on your DAC report that you were terminated due to having an unapproved drug in your system. No matter its a legal drug. Only that its unapproved by THAT company. And if this goes on your DAC as "Unapproved drug found on druig test" then good luck trying to find a job anywhere in the trucking industry.

In short be up front about any meds you are taking. If you feel you do not need to take Prozac anymore then talk to your doctor about getting off of it BEFORE going through school and there should not be a problem at all.

I start school this Monday. Have not lied about medications but haven't been asked. Plan to of course let the doctor know; I know they will ask. Is it better for me to ask a recruiter about this (if open weekends) or just explain to the doctor? The medication has no side effects for me, and if I had any depression it was minor, but I don't think my doctor thought I was depressed. I took it to help with anxiety at gatherings / parties.

One other question; will it go on my DAC if things don't work out but I'm honest at my physical? I was thinking it might not because I don't think I'm hired until finishing the starter companies school.

One other question; will it go on my DAC if things don't work out but I'm honest at my physical? I was thinking it might not because I don't think I'm hired until finishing the starter companies school.

No you are not hired till you finish the schooling. Just be honest and up front about the meds whenever asked and you should be fine.

Welcome aboard!

Yes, with everything on your application be honest because trucking companies have incredible resources when it comes to digging up background information and a zero tolerance policy for lying on an application. They find one lie and the application goes in the garbage and you're looking for a cab ride to the bus station - that's honestly how it works. So disclose everything.

I don't know about Prozac in particular, but any doctor that give DOT physicals can tell you if that medication will be approved for commercial driving. If so, you're good to go. Just make sure you disclose it to the company and always carry proof of your prescription. If by chance it's not approved for commercial driving, your doctor will easily be able to change your prescription to something that is. No big deal at all.

Derek, I am currently working for CRST, starting my second week with my trainer. (Our truck blew an engine gasket, and I was given a choice to find another trainer, or go home with mine. I have a good, one, so I went home with him, and as a bonus, I live only hours away, so I am at MY home for a few days.) I was sent to Hawkeye Community college in Waterloo for them, and while I was in school. a fellow student was sent home because she was on anti depressants. Now, I dont know what kind she was on, but I do know, the decision came down from CRST and not the school. My advice to you, would be to talk to your recruiter about the matter, so you dont fall into that situation. We were told about it, after she left, but she was in school for over a week before that came down from CRST. CRST is a huge company, and those kind of things can take days to be decided. If you talk to them first, it can save you the heartache, of being in school, and doing well like this girl was, only to be sent home.

Hi Derek:

I am a DOT medical examiner, and I am sending this information from the medical examiner side. The folks on this post have given you some very good advice. First and foremost as guyjax and some of the others said, be truthful and honest on all of your paperwork. Again, number one, be 100% honest with the examiner. Health information is out there, it can't hide. There are not that many drugs that will automatically disqualify. Prozac is not one of them. Methadone is one. Marijuana is one. Marinol, or synthetic marijuana is one. Even anti-seizure medications are not automatically disqualifying if you aren't taking them for seizures. A letter from your prescribing doctor that the medication has been shown to be adequate, safe and effective for you will be appreciated by the examiner performing the DOT physical exam. You also mentioned that your doctor didn't think that you were depressed. Why don't you go and discuss this with your doctor. Ask if there isn't something else that could help with those problems of social anxiety. Tell him why this could be a problem for you with the FMCSA either now or in the future. Remember, a company has the right to have their own policy concerning drugs or physical conditions of the driver that are above the standards of FMCSA on the DOT physical. Call the HR director of the company and ask them what they allow and disallow in regards to their employment. As guyjax said, you don't want any of this to pop up in a drug screen in the future. Good luck to you. Do well, and I hope that this information helps.