How Long To Wait After Being Off Prescription Meds?

After several years on prescription anti-anxiety (Clonazepam) and anti-depressant (Wellbutrin XL, Viibryd) medications, I worked with my doctor to gradually discontinue them early this year. They are known to create a physical dependency, so slowly tapering off of them is necessary. I have been completely off of them since the end of May and have been feeling very well, both emotionally and physically, despite the emergence of the pandemic and my being laid off and unemployed as a result.

I have been interested in applying for the paid CDL training programs, and am wondering how long I should wait after having discontinued these medications? I've made good use of the valuable resources provided by TT and appreciate all that you collectively provide aspiring truckers!

Thanks!

I would think your best source would be your doctor not a website, no matter how reputable the website is.

A future employer is going to be wondering about why you where prescribed these meds to begin with.

A future employer is going to be wondering about why you where prescribed these meds to begin with.

Agreed. Prime has a 3 year wait period for certain meds. Some meds they just ask you to switch to a non banned meds. However not every company will accept someone diagnoses with depression which would surely be exploited during an accident regardless of fault. Lawyers suck. Also do you want to risk your mental health by going into a stressful job?

Some companies won't even ask. If you get a positive on a drug test the MRO officer will call n ask what meds you had and how long its been since you took them. The important part is on the DOT physical because there are a bunch of meds that the DOT has listed as disqualifying meds.

Thanks for the replies and queries. The personal issues/stresses that led me to seek treatment for which the meds were prescribed have been successfully resolved and I've worked with my doctor to learn to manage the stresses without medications. I am a guy in his mid-fifties, and have had a career in financial services and IT that has certainly had its share of stresses. This seems to be a time in life and in the world that lends itself to my trying something I've thought about doing for years.

I'm aware that there are disqualifying medications, among them I believe is Klonopin (clonazepam). Now that I am off of the meds, wondering if there is a time frame after which this would no longer be disqualifying.

Thanks again.

My company is 3 years as per their in house doctor

Thanks for the replies and queries. The personal issues/stresses that led me to seek treatment for which the meds were prescribed have been successfully resolved and I've worked with my doctor to learn to manage the stresses without medications. I am a guy in his mid-fifties, and have had a career in financial services and IT that has certainly had its share of stresses. This seems to be a time in life and in the world that lends itself to my trying something I've thought about doing for years.

I'm aware that there are disqualifying medications, among them I believe is Klonopin (clonazepam). Now that I am off of the meds, wondering if there is a time frame after which this would no longer be disqualifying.

Thanks again.

The time length will generally vary by company. Some take years others months, some weeks, depending on the drug and reason you were taking it some companies may not hire you at all. If you had been taking any prescription drugs that were NOT prescribed to you you should wait at least 6 months on a hair follicle test. If they were all prescribed to you and the company has no issues with it, make sure you can provide a Doctors note telling them that you were prescribed xxxxx medication by him/her. Especially opiates, benzos etc. If it changes your perception of reality and could change your ability to react or think clearly you will not be able to take it as a driver. Even OTC stuff like benadryl, sleep aids and cold medicines are a no no while driving.

I've been on Wellbutrin XL for years. Never had a problem with a DOT physical, and I've had two. Just be honest when questioned.