Mental Health DOT Physical Pains

I've had my CDL for 15 years. No accidents, tickets, or issues. I haul hazardous waste. I like to think I know my stuff and am extremely vigilant.

With that being said, I also have anxiety. I am on medication and have been for years. When I get my Fed Med exam, they ask questions and i have to get a note from my Dr.

This past week the worst one. The Dr., half my age, wanted to know why I was on so many meds. He said even if I had a note, he had to do his "own" research before deciding. He is requesting ALL of my medical records pertaining to mental health, all of my clinic notes, and another form signed off.

I know my prescribing Dr. is confident that I am safe and suffer no side effects, and will sign any letters. What worries me is this guy digging deep and feeling that on paper, I'm not safe to be behind the wheel. I've never had an examiner request my records.

I agree with you. The DOT doc has no idea of your med history and even getting your records does NOT give him insight that your own doc has. This is no different than your own doc clearing you for a med on the questionable list and the DOT doc wanting to know why. I've never heard of that before. Not saying it doesn't happen, just saying it's probably rare.

I guess I'm just worried sick (hey anxiety!) that this doc is looking for a way to disqualify me. What happens then? It's my entire life.

Benjamin, he doesn't have any agenda to disqualify you. It' s his name going on your certificate. He is just wanting to do a little CYA and have some corroborating evidence from your physician that says you are safe to operate a commercial vehicle. It's just because this is your first time to see this guy. Some docs are more thorough than others on these D.O.T. physicals. Just do what they request and you should be just fine.

That sounds like your anxiety maybe at the end of the day if everything is in order there should be no problems he’s there to make sure your safe on the road not keep you from being on the road for no reason it’s a process that most people with health conditions requiring medication have to go thru if your dr signed you off dot will make sure it’s legitimate that’s all

No I am not trying to hide anything. I just felt this particular physician was very judgemental and extremely conservative compared to those in the past. None of my meds are narcotics or anything on the "no" list.

I've been lucky to be on one med from the VA. I think they hinted at taking a second but I was able to resist. When I had my DOT physical they called my doc's office and got a faxed letter back stating, in their opinion, I was stable and good to drive.