Disqualifying Prescription?

So, I'm on a couple of meds to help prevent migraines: One is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure (Nadolol)--that doesn't seem to be a problem.

The other is Topiramate, which is sometimes used to control seizures such as from epilepsy, but is also well-documented as a migraine-preventative. See this description on WebMD: Topiramate

However, the FMCSA says, "Any anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying." FMCSA

My question is: Will my use of Topiramate to prevent migraines disqualify me medically? Technically, the FMCSA quote says the use of an anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying, but I'm not using it for that.

Beyond, getting input from you good folks, how do I go about getting info about this? I am pretty close to making my transition, but it would involve quitting my job, giving up my apartment, etc., so I don't want to pull the trigger just to run into this wall. If the Topiramate will disqualify me, then I will work with my doctor to wean myself off it first. I assume having it in my history won't be a problem, as long as it's not a current med?

Thanks, as always, for any help you can offer!

Is your doctor on the list of those that can certify drivers with a DOT physical? If so, he should have a definitive answer. Keep in mind that a company can have their own list of "banned medications" in addition to what is prohibited by the FMCSA.

Hi Matt,

A company will probably require you to provide them with a letter from your doctor clearing you to drive on that medication. This happened to me with a different med being used for a purpose not normally prescribed. I had to get my primary care doctor to send a letter and never heard boo about it again.

Beyond that, have you really tried to get your headaches under control with over the counter meds like Ibuprofen or Tylenol? A long time ago my doctor told me that the problem with OTC pain meds is the dosage is too low. For example, 2 tablets of Aspirin is a children's dose. He told me to take a grown up man's dose of 7 pills. You can take up to 2400 mg of Ibuprofen every day. But not each and every day because that will eventually give you digestive system damage. So, on his advice I mix it up with extra strength Tylenol and aspirin. My use is for arthritis.

Disclaimer: I'm not a qualified to recommend any treatment. You should consult your doctor if this makes any sense to you. I used to have severe headaches, but then the kids left home and my headaches stopped almost completely.

Is your doctor on the list of those that can certify drivers with a DOT physical? If so, he should have a definitive answer. Keep in mind that a company can have their own list of "banned medications" in addition to what is prohibited by the FMCSA.

No, my doctor isn't on "the list." Seems like my best bet might be to find my way off this med anyway... You know how the docs get you on more meds over time anyway, lol. That way I can stay clear of the FMCSA and any company's list--I appreciate your reminder of that!

Hi Matt,

A company will probably require you to provide them with a letter from your doctor clearing you to drive on that medication. This happened to me with a different med being used for a purpose not normally prescribed. I had to get my primary care doctor to send a letter and never heard boo about it again.

Beyond that, have you really tried to get your headaches under control with over the counter meds like Ibuprofen or Tylenol? A long time ago my doctor told me that the problem with OTC pain meds is the dosage is too low. For example, 2 tablets of Aspirin is a children's dose. He told me to take a grown up man's dose of 7 pills. You can take up to 2400 mg of Ibuprofen every day. But not each and every day because that will eventually give you digestive system damage. So, on his advice I mix it up with extra strength Tylenol and aspirin. My use is for arthritis.

Disclaimer: I'm not a qualified to recommend any treatment. You should consult your doctor if this makes any sense to you. I used to have severe headaches, but then the kids left home and my headaches stopped almost completely.

Bruce,

Lol... I do suspect my headaches will decrease once I can quit my current job. Yeah, the med in question is a preventative, but I suppose if I had more effective treatment, that would help get me away from the need for a preventative.

Good to know about the letter... Still, that seems to be wagering my future on the company accepting such a letter, and when I make this transition, it'll be a full-on jump. Hence me trying to clear every knowable obstacle first.

Thanks for the input!

You might want to just call the company you plan on going with and see if they have someone who would be qualified to answer that question for you not only in terms of DOT medical exam guidelines but also company policy. I think that would be the quickest and most accurate way to get an answer to your question.

You might want to just call the company you plan on going with and see if they have someone who would be qualified to answer that question for you not only in terms of DOT medical exam guidelines but also company policy. I think that would be the quickest and most accurate way to get an answer to your question.

Good point. I just hope they can get me on with someone qualified to speak to that authoritatively, as I haven't found recruiters to be terribly knowledgeable even about simpler questions.

My question is: Will my use of Topiramate to prevent migraines disqualify me medically? Technically, the FMCSA quote says the use of an anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying, but I'm not using it for that.

I saw a lawyer say somewhere that you can use the drug just as long as it isn't for seizures. That doesn't mean, of course, the some ignorant idiot that decides for the trucking company can't say otherwise.

Ignorant? How so?

Ignorant? How so?

Because the drug itself isn't dangerous to take when driving. It's banned as an anti-seizure drug because people that might have seizures shouldn't be driving a truck. In fact, people with epilepsy are permanently disqualified. However, the association with an anti-seizure drug can lead to an ignorant person, that doesn't think very well, to condemn the drug. This is the kind of thing I expect from the trucking industry. A doctor that knows their patient, and knows the drug, is far more likely to be competent when assessing situation.