ADHD Medication

I hear you all. Thanks for the input. I personally believe it’s discriminatory against a person that has a problem that is corrected by use of medication. In this particular situation, natural resources do not fully work. So in that case I wouldn’t want someone to drive if they are not remedying a problem. This is a situation where the doctor monitors & prescribes to help remedy a problem.

This could also pertain to those with depression, an anxious mind, someone that has a sleep disorder, someone that has diabetes & doesn’t eat right that could put them in a bad situation right away, high risk heart attack individuals. The list can go on & on . These ailments could possibly cross out half of the trucking industry.

I hear you all. Thanks for the input. I personally believe it’s discriminatory against a person that has a problem that is corrected by use of medication. In this particular situation, natural resources do not fully work. So in that case I wouldn’t want someone to drive if they are not remedying a problem. This is a situation where the doctor monitors & prescribes to help remedy a problem.

This could also pertain to those with depression, an anxious mind, someone that has a sleep disorder, someone that has diabetes & doesn’t eat right that could put them in a bad situation right away, high risk heart attack individuals. The list can go on & on . These ailments could possibly cross out half of the trucking industry.

Remedied unless someone forgets to take the pills, loses the pills or fails to get them refilled on time. Often people with depression start feeling good from the medication then stop taking it.

I feel it's discriminatory that is was sleep tested for sleep apnea due to my weight. I passed the first time. 2 years later got tested again, was told to wear the machine. I hate it. But I do it.

Trucking does not care about feelings. It cares about whether a driver can kill someone. The risks are already high for new drivers to do that. Add medications and that could increase odds.

All the feelings in the world are not going to change the laws or company policies. I'm sorry you feel discriminated against.

Good luck in all you do.

Again, it goes with anything . Any medication or precaution . I could forget to take my diabetes medicine & eat too much sugar & go into a insulin shock while driving. Anyways, I respect what you are saying.

Again, it goes with anything . Any medication or precaution . I could forget to take my diabetes medicine & eat too much sugar & go into a insulin shock while driving. Anyways, I respect what you are saying.

Insulin is not a controlled substance. Besides, most people who have diabetes and require insulin can't get a DOT medical certificate. It requires a waiver that a licensed DOT medical examiner signs off on. Some in that circumstance do get approved for a medical certificate, but it's the exception versus the norm. For most drivers, it's a career killer.

I found out today, when asking another company , they will accept someone taking adderal. Specifically asking the safety department. He had to look on a list of accepted meds, & that was one of them. So I guess it goes by what each company will allow.

Again, it goes with anything . Any medication or precaution . I could forget to take my diabetes medicine & eat too much sugar & go into a insulin shock while driving. Anyways, I respect what you are saying.

Insulin is not a controlled substance. Besides, most people who have diabetes and require insulin can't get a DOT medical certificate. It requires a waiver that a licensed DOT medical examiner signs off on. Some in that circumstance do get approved for a medical certificate, but it's the exception versus the norm. For most drivers, it's a career killer.

Michelle, I'm not a legal expert by any means but you should not be disqualified for use of a controlled substance alone, rather unauthorized use of a controlled substance. I personally was prescribed adderall at the time I was hired with 2 different companies, both of which required hair and urine drug screening, both within the last 5 years. You are protected under HIPAA from having to share this information with your company directly, however you MUST have a letter to provide the medical examiner from the prescribing physician stating that you are safe to operate a CMV while taking the medication. If anything has changed in the last 2 years then this may be different, but even after reading this (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-medications-disqualify-cmv-driver) it seems to still be the same process.

Again, it goes with anything . Any medication or precaution . I could forget to take my diabetes medicine & eat too much sugar & go into a insulin shock while driving. Anyways, I respect what you are saying.

Insulin is not a controlled substance. Besides, most people who have diabetes and require insulin can't get a DOT medical certificate. It requires a waiver that a licensed DOT medical examiner signs off on. Some in that circumstance do get approved for a medical certificate, but it's the exception versus the norm. For most drivers, it's a career killer.

Ryan (and all;)

Here's a great thread from 3 years ago, when Big Scott had to take a break . . . due to Diabetes.

Lost my Medical Card

The information within, by many awesome contributors (and sufferers) is really eye opening. Much ado about getting a 'Return to Duty' and then some. Proof, that the most 'recent' Medical Card will trump a slightly 'older' one, that isn't even expired.

As we all know, Scott is doing wonderfully, with dietary rehabilitation and his overall health. That thread is proof that his circumstances, were a blessing in disguise.

As far as the Adderal; interesting. DOT Prohibited Medications.

Title 1, Chaper 2; Subsection 1308~

I found out today, when asking another company , they will accept someone taking adderal. Specifically asking the safety department. He had to look on a list of accepted meds, & that was one of them. So I guess it goes by what each company will allow.

Michelle, do you already have your CDLP ? I'm just hoping the 'Fed Med' doctor (DOT Physical Doc) doesn't see it the same way, as per my example in the above link. In both above examples, the doctor performing your DOT physical trumps the company's procedures/rules.

"Can a CDL driver take Ritalin? A driver cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner. 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."

I see your point, and I know you want this; I'm just leery. Hoping it works for you, though!

Best, y'all .. always~

~ Anne ~

Ritalin is a far cry from what the old school drivers would use. If you think bull haulers go a full day driving without aid, you're mistaken. That toothpick isn't for teeth cleaning

It's big government and red tape. You wouldn't want a driver taking Addy's and going nuts, but a small dose will have an amazing impact on focus and productivity. You won't be hungry, all you'll think about is the next step of what you need to do. Regardless of trucking. You'll do that next step of your science project that you would normally put off to scroll through insta. It's the mindset the drug gives you that helps.

Like I said, it's big government and the real risk of abuse. There's always gonna be a bad apple that takes 4, has a heart attack and ****s it up for everyone.

Same thing with the Las Vegas shooter getting bump stocks banned