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Q&A
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam to get your medical card, does not include a drug test. This does not mean that any Company you want to work for, will not request a pre-employment drug test — they most likely will. But the DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test.
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
The 5 Panel drug test analyzes urine for the following drugs:
- Marijuana (THC metabolite)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (including heroin)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
The DOT drug screen is looking for illegal or non-prescription drugs. Yet, sometimes normal prescription medications can trip a positive test.
If the urinalysis is positive for one or more of the drugs on the 5 panel drug test, then the driver will be contacted in person by the Medical Review Officer. The MRO will interview the driver to determine if there is an alternative medical explanation for the drugs found in the urine specimen. If the driver provides appropriate documentation from a prescribing physician, a confirmation test with a split sample is performed for each identified drug. Confirmation ensures that over-the-counter medications or preparations are not reported as positive results. If the MRO determines that it is a legitimate medical use of the prohibited drug, the drug test result is reported as negative to the employer. Otherwise the drug test will be reported as positive.
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. Protein in the urine may indicate kidney disease. The medical examiner will make a decision based on the amount of protein in the urine. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Yes, it is an indicator of the onset of diabetes or already a diabetic that does not have the condition under control. The driver would be disqualified until the condition is under control, either with medications or diet.
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. If the medical examiner believes that the blood in the urine may indicate a condition that affects the ability of the commercial driver to safely, the driver may be referred to a primary care physician or specialist for further evaluation. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
Depending on the risk posed by the condition and treatment, the medical examiner may require documentation from your doctor. To assist in the preparation of the documentation, you can get more information here, courtesy of Trucker Docs. Even though your prescribing physician may be of the opinion that your condition and treatment is safe to drive, the decision to certify still rests with the medical examiner.
If you have non-insulin treated diabetes the medical examiner will check that your diabetes is adequately controlled. If it is controlled, you will get a time-limited certification and most likely need to re-certify annually.
If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you will be disqualified for inter-state driving. You may be able to drive intra-state.
The DOT does have a few, very stable insulin dependent drivers testing on insulin waivers, but you would have to check with the FMCSA on this issue.
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
Without a DOT Diabetes exemption waiver the answer is No, not for interstate driving, even if your condition is stable.
You may be able to drive intra-state. Each state has its own rules.
What are the requirements for blood sugar limits? I just found a job driving school bus. I am a diabetic, non-insulin dependent. When I took the test my blood sugar was 350, but in the past few days I’ve gotten it down to about 170. I have never had a low or high blood sugar blackout. Will I have to get an exemption?
The medical examiner needs to see your blood sugar levels below 120. That is the level for blood sugar spillover into the urine. The concern is not whether you have ever had a blood sugar blackout, it’s – Could you have a blood sugar blackout while driving a bus full of little people? Safety first for you, the driver, and for the public at large.
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
The Metformin is to control your blood sugar as a borderline diabetic. It will limit your DOT medical certificate to one year at a time.
I’m a CDL driver. I had to start insulin for my diabetes. My medical card expires in a month. Will the doctor know I’m taking insulin when he does my tests?
It does not matter whether he knows or not. On the DOT medical examination form that you fill out, it will ask if you are a diabetic and also how you control the condition. So you are the one who is going to tell him about the insulin.
Your examining doctor should ask quite a few questions regarding your insulin usage to help determine your options.
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Any habit forming drug; methadone; anti-seizure medication, is disqualifying.
The medical examiner will review every medication – prescription, non-prescription, and supplement to determine if its use will adversely affect the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. The medical examiner may require documentation from your prescribing physician. In this case the medical examiner may, but is not required to grant you a medical card.
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
No. Marijuana is a disqualifier, even if you have a prescription.
A CMV driver cannot be qualified if on Methadone. There are exceptions to the rule regarding other drugs prescribed by a physician, but this does NOT apply to Methadone.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Nitroglycerine use is not disqualifying. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your Cardiologist to make sure that your angina condition is stable.
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
These three drugs are going to be a red flag for any examiner. You should bring with you a letter from your prescribing physician, explaining the need for the medications and their possible side effects. All three are listed with side effects of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, and should not be used while driving or using machinery. You are going to have to explain to the medical examiner why and how much if any of these medications you are taking and the basic circumstances for their needs.
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
One of the best ways for a driver to answer a question about whether a medication may be a disqualifier or not, is to read about the side effects of that medication.
Lets take a look at some of the side effects of Xanax which include: “Drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, talkativeness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, increased salivation, changes in sex drive or ability, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite, weight changes, difficulty urinating, and joint pain. Some other side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: shortness of breath, seizures, seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating), severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, depression, memory problems, confusion, problems with speech, unusual changes in behavior or mood, thinking about harming or killing yourself or trying to do so, and problems with coordination or balance.”
As you can see, some of these issues can be unsafe for you and the public. It will cause any medical examiner to question your reaction to this medication. Talk with your prescribing doctor and ask questions with regards to driving while using any medication.
I take Prozac for anxiety and I no longer have anxiety attacks. Will this be a problem for my DOT physical?
If the anxiety disorder is controlled with the medication, then there is no real problem. Just make sure you inform the medical examiner about your condition and the medications you are taking for it.
I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. I don’t have them often but I do take Lorazepam for them on a PRN basis. Can this disqualify me from driving a school bus?
The side effects of the medication could be a disqualifier from driving a bus. I would bring a note from your physician stating how long and how often you use this medication.
A bus-load of kids could be stressful and may trigger your need to medicate. So the medical examiner would be concerned about the side effects of the medication. The big concern here is for your safety and the safety of the children.
I want to keep my CDL but I have anxiety and need to get on some medication. I don’t want to lose my license. What anti-anxiety medication in okay to take and still be safe to drive?
Talk with your MD and explain that you are a commercial OTR driver. That way the doctor can work out which, out of dozens of medications, will work best and not interfere with your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Most of the anxiety meds do not run positive for drug testing. They usually have side-effects that cause drowsiness and that is the main problem. So give the provider as much information as possible and go from there.
You will need to get documentation from your MD stating that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Yes, you may still drive. You will need to get documentation from your treating physician as to when the condition started, what was the diagnosis, what has the treatment consisted of, what medication are you on, and is the condition stable. All of these things are to help the medical examiner determine whether you are medically fit to operate a CMV safely.
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
The use of Provigil needs careful supervision. Drivers being prescribed Provigil should not be qualified until they have been monitored closely for at least 6 weeks while taking Provigil. The medical examiner will require documentation from your treating physician stating that the treatment is effective, and that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
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Martin says
I have not been able to find any information on any DOT list for Effexor. If taking this can I receive a DOT Medical card? Medication is for depression and also treats menopausal symptoms.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Martin
This medication will raise questions with any CME. Best to have a medical release form from your prescribing doctor explaining your need for this medication and the time frame that you have been using it.
J.D. says
I’ve been unemployed for over a week now and just took a pre employment urine test today. I don’t smoke or consume cannabis in anyway but I’m worried I might fail it due to being around people that do often. In the event if I did fail would I be able to request a confirmation test? Also would it be reported to DOT although I’m not employed??
Thanks in advance for your reply
Trucker Docs™ says
@ J. D.
You can request a confirmation test, but it would be done at your expense. The results are reported to your employer not the DOT.
J.D. says
What about the new FMCSA clearinghouse program? Been driving since 2014 and have never failed a test.
Thank you for replying
Trucker Docs™ says
@ J.D.
It is highly unlikely that you will fail the drug screen if you are not a consumer of illegal drugs. The clearinghouse is more for abusers of drugs and alcohol.
john M m says
I’m a class a CDL holder in Virginia I’m on Gabapentin 300 MG 3×a day can I drive on this medicine
Trucker Docs™ says
@ john M m
Not according to the DOT/FMCSA regulations for a class A driver. You may be able to drive intrastate only. Check with your local drivers license department for guidance.
Kyle says
I just started taking a low dose of Zoloft to see if it can help me with some OCD symptoms that I have. It has been helpful so far but I’m concerned that it might affect my employment eligibility in this field. I don’t want a potential employer to see OCD or Zoloft on my health record.
I’m considering stopping medication, waiting a month, and proceeding with my DOT medical then. Do employers see what is disclosed during a DOT Medical?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kyle
Some companies require you to turn in a copy of your long form from your medical examination. Most just need a copy of your medical card. You will need to check with your companies human resources department.
Lana C says
I have a prescription for phentermine. Will that result in a positive test?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Lana C
You will not test positive for any drug screenings, but the CME is going to have questions about your usage.
Kay says
So if I have a prescription will I still be able to drive while taking phentermine?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kay
DOT/FMCSA, class A, does not recommend the use of this drug while driving.
Mark says
I think it’s great that your answering questions and just wanted to give some information to answer questions people haven’t asked and might not ask for whatever reason.
Question: If I’m taking a medication that my dot physician knows about should I tell my employer in case it shows up in a drug test?
Answer: As long as your dot physician knows about your medication and certified you to drive… you can drive.
Even if your on a medication such as buprenorphine it is not tested for. Even if it was, the Medical Review Officer must first contact you to see if you have a valid reason for testing positive for something. He/she will ask If you have a prescription and for you to provide proof of it. If you do have a valid prescription the MRO sends a negative test result to your employer. They don’t send employer your test results saying you tested positive for something but because you have a prescription your test is negative. There’s a reason why your employer cannot personally give you a drug test or anything else medically related. They are not drs nurses or pharmacist. Their understanding of health problems, addiction, mental health issues can be very misinformed. Addiction and mental health issues has a stigma attached to it.
James says
I i recently took a dot card examine and the “DR” at Concentra (which is the worst medical
place to go) gave me the physical and then disqualified me because i take a FDA approved medication precribed by a licensed DR. and then this so called dr just walks out . Im literally so sick of this DOT card bullcrap No poloce officer ever asked me for one, teres no fine fo not having one. The compny I work for now is a food dlivery company and if you saw how your food was picked put nd packaged, youd most likley gag. Its so one sided at this place that Im getting a lawyer. our head manager use to give us drugs, some drivers would crasg trucks ons purpose and get away with it. our union sucks. def. STOP going to SHOP here.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ James
Stop going to these ‘doc in a box’ locations, most of them seem to have a conflict of interest in their activities. DOT/FMCSA is only trying to keep the roads and drivers safe, so the CME’s must evaluate for possible risk factors.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Mark
Good answer for those that have ask.
David says
I’ve been told I have BPPV I’ve been taking 25mg. Meclizine but makes me sleepy this happened in May 2021 what’s my chances of keeping my CDL
Trucker Docs™ says
@ David
For a class A interstate, going to be very difficult to get a new DOT/FMCSA medical certificate with this condition and medications. The risk factors are too high for any CME to grant an interstate med card. Local cdl, intra-state only, may be an avenue to explore with your situation. You will need to confirm the facts with your local drivers license department.
Ken says
Can I take Ropinirole for restless leg syndrome and still pass a DOT physical in Washington State
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ken
Your medication is going to raise questions, but with some documentation from your doctor and a medical release, you could be OK.
Rick F says
My wife is on Cymbalta and she went for her DOT physical and the only qualified her for 1 year. So my question is will this medication actually disqualify her from driving a Commercial Vehicle when we turn it into the company and the DMV. She has been on this medication for 2 years and driving a CMV so is there something we need to do
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Rick F
The medication should only raise a few questions. Since she has been on these meds for a couple years, there should not be any issues. It should not effect the DMV or the employer. The reason for the one year card is for the CME to monitor her.
Kyle says
I am trying to get my cdl and I’m wondering about my medications. I take hyrdocodone and gabapentin for back pain. Will i need to switch one or both medications do get my dot Med cert?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kyle
Your meds are going to raise questions. Depending on the class cdl you are applying for will determine which regs will be used. ex: class A, lots of questions and a need for plenty of medical documentation. Class b, falls under the states guidelines and variances.
Michael B says
I am a 70 year old truck driver who has been off work because a severe back pain while driving (that’s what 48 years of truck driving will do you). The pain was only bad when sitting. The pain management doctor put me on Gabapentin for the nerve pain. It seems to be effective. Can I get a DOT medical card while taking it, or is it time to retire?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Michael B
The side effects of this medication are going to raise serious questions with the CME. You would need to be on these medications for at least thirty days before going for a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Be prepared to answer questions, bring a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and a return to work slip without any restrictions or limitations.
Pattiey says
Hi Doctor,
I am 58 with bad Osteoarthritis and my doctor just put me on a medication called Diclofenac Sodium EC 75 mg hoping this isn’t going to be an issue for my CDL class A in Missouri.
Thanks!
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Pattiey
You will need to be on these medications for at least thirty days before returning to driving. These medications can cause issues which are deemed unsafe until proven otherwise. Headaches, dizziness, etc. Once your thirty days are up, you will need to have a new DOT/FMCSA physical completed. Bring a medical release form from your prescribing doctor. You should be fine after that, if all else is within normal limits.
Ronald says
I failed my DOT physical !I could only fill one tube of urine!I offered a blood and hair sample
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ronald
One tube of urine should have been sufficient for a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. No need for a blood or hair sample. Not sure where the issue is.
Lena m K says
Is Voltaren permitted for truck drivers to take
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Lena m K
It may raise some questions with the CME. But with supporting documentation you should be fine.
Lysa says
Hi Doctor,
I was diagnosed with aware Focal Onset Seizures yesterday & put on 500mg of Levetiracetam (Keppra) 2 times a day. I also have been taking 20mg of Paroxetine (Paxil) once a day for anxiety & depression. Would either of these stop me from getting my DOT medical card renewed now that it is due?
I do not have a CDL, but I do need a DOT card to drive a 6-ton truck for work.
Thank you in advance
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Lysa
Since you do not have a cdl, then you will fall under your states guidelines and variances. Medical cards and the CME program were established for class A cdl holders. Before you go for your next medical card examination, check with your local drivers license department for clarity on your questions. Then make sure the examiner knows that you are not a class A driver and you want to know that he/she understand the differences of DOT/FMCSA and your states guidelines.
LilmissColorado says
I am a class B cdl driver and have worked for the same company for 3 years. I have bulging discs and my back pain is getting worse. I’ve had a back spasm for over a month now.
I asked my doctor if there is anything I can take to help with the spasms. He prescribed me Tizanidine. (My doc does DOT physicals and he said Tizanidine would be fine as long as I only take it on weekends or evenings) he said it only lasts for 8 hours.
However my company has a policy we have to disclose any medications that could make us drowsy, dizzy etc.
So I told my safety dept my doc wanted to prescribe me Tizanidine. They said they would have to get approval from their corporate doctor who they send employees to for DOT physicals.
Their doctor said I can’t take Tizanidine.
I’m confused why my dot doctor says it’s ok and theirs says it’s not.
I would appreciate any professional perspective on this.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ LilmissColorado
You are a class B cdl holder and not class A. DOT/FMCSA certified doctors and medical examinations were established for Class A drivers. You should fall under your states guidelines and variances. If the examiner is holding you to a class A standard, then there is a mistake. First check with your states drivers license department for their guidelines and regulations. Then inform the medical examiner that you are class B and not a class A cdl holder and that you fall under the states guidelines and regulations.
LilmissColorado says
Ok, thank you!
CO driver says
I’ve been driving class B for a company for 3 years. I assumed I couldn’t take anything more powerful for my back pain as a CDL driver, besides Tylenol, alieve, acupuncture, heat pad etc. So
I have bulging discs and recently the pain has intensified and I’ve had a spasm last for over a month now. I’m at the point where I have to try something different, so I asked my doctor if there is anything I can do as far as medications or PT. My doctor used to be a DOT physical doctor for years.
He prescribed tizanidine and told me to take it during evenings and weekends to help and he said it was ok for DOT. He said it is short acting and only lasts about 8 hours.
My work has a strict policy requiring drivers to tell the company about any new medications they are prescribed that includes the statement “may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery”
I talked to my safety dept and told them my doctor wanted to prescribe me Tizanidine. The safety dept sent it to their corporate doctor for approval and their doctor rejected it.
So it is sounding like the corporate doctor will reject any muscle relaxers.
My doctor said it was ok for DOT but is there actually a DOT list of approved drugs?
Does a company have the right to tell employees they can’t use medication if it’s not against DOT medication rules?
I don’t know where to go from here. Any help or advice about this situation is much appreciated.
Thank you
Trucker Docs™ says
@ CO driver
See above.
Ken says
Dr, I have a DOT coming up and have been off hydrocodone for over 37 days. Do I have to list that? I have taken 1-2 a day for years and never thought anything about it because I didn’t take it before driving. I’ve been driving for 33 years and don’t want to jeopardize my A cdl. I don’t want to omit it and have them look at epic (think thats it) and not get my card.
Thanks
Ken says
I am a home daily driver in NC
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ken
You will need to supply the CME with supporting documentation regarding your meds and present prescriptions, if any. You do need to disclose this information to the CME. Also explain to the examiner that you are a day trip driver only. That way you may/can fall under the states rules and regs as well as DOT/FMCSA. Intra-state vs interstate.
Chris says
I have been on Buprenorphine for over 5 years. And currently take it for pain. I was prescribed this because after I had gastric bypass surgery other pain medications would not agree with me. I do need a DOT physical for my job, but I dont need a CDL to drive a package truck. I went for my DOT physical and now they will not renew it because they are now saying its do to the medication. This was never a problem before. I always put all my medication down and its always the same place but different Dr.I also got a letter from my Dr saying its used for pain and not because of opioid addiction and the reason why. But they still won’t clear me so my manager sent me to get another opinion and I was told the same thing even with a note. Is this something new? And what can I do? And is anybody i can talk to as to why I never had an issue before?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Chris
You are not a class A, over the road driver, which is what the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations were established for. You do fall under your states regulations and variances. Whomever is doing your physical does not understand the differences between Federal DOT/FMCSA guidelines and your states variances. You need to explain that you drive a package truck and do not require a cdl to do so. If they do not get it, go somewhere else and explain yourself before taking the examination. Also take your doctors letter with you.
patricia a s says
i am a cld schoolbus driver i take hydrocodone at night time only i have no side affects can i still drive a school bus while taking this medication
Trucker Docs™ says
@ patricia a s
Your cdl is state issued and unless you are trying to maintain a class A cdl you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Check with your state drivers license department for your best answer.
Caroline D says
I am 19 and live in NC. I need to get my CDL permit for Lineman course. I take vyvanse and have for years. Will this prevent me from getting my CDL?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Caroline D
Your cdl is state issued and falls under the states requirements. not DOT/FMCSA. Either way, you should be able to pass the medical certification examination. You may need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor, for the medical examination. Most states are not very strict regarding your particular medication, especially if you have been on then for a suitable/prolonged period of time.
Fred says
Hello, First let me say that I finally made it through all the questions and commentary. This has been somewhat helpful to my situation BUT I am still unclear about a couple of things. I have a valid class A license in MA. I currently have a valid MA DOT med card. I recently graduated driving school and have basically no driving experience. It has been difficult to find a local job without at least 6-12 mos. of driving experience. So I have been filling out apps with the larger OTR companies that offer training programs for new drivers. So far I have been given multiple “conditional” offers of employment only to have the offer rescinded once I am open about being in recovery from opiate addiction and being prescribed suboxone. I currently take the lowest dose of 2-4 mg a day as needed. When I share this openly I am refused employment before I even get to take the pre enrollment DOT physical/screening etc. I’m open about it because I don’t want to chance taking a test only to fail and have the results reported to the Clearing House. I can pass a urine test without any problem but it seems almost every company is doing hair testing now which presents an issue aside from me shaving my entire body before going. My questions are:
1) you mention numerous times in your replies that it is important to use a CME that understands the FMCSA regs…how do you go about determine if the CME does indeed understand them and what if I’m at the mercy of the CME that the company uses?
2) you also mention that it’s important to provide proper medical documentation from my prescribing doctor describing the condition and reason for Suboxone. What verbiage exactly should be used by my doctor that would be acceptable by a CME to explain my suboxone prescription?
3) I saw in an earlier comment that Naloxone is an acceptable drug and will not cause a test failure. Would you recommend that I speak with my doctor and request that the prescription be changed to Naloxone? Would this be a remedy to my situation?
I’ve worked VERY hard to get where I am at and have overcome too many obstacles in my recovery to only be shot down by every company because I am managing my recovery properly and under a doctors care. I got my CDL because I LOVE to drive big rigs and heavy equipment and it is the only way to make enough $ to support my wife and 3 year old son. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Fred
Your situation is different than the answers you quote. Suboxone for opiate addiction is very different. It is the medication and the reasons for which you take these meds that all CME’s are going to question and most likely disqualify you. There is no verbiage that over-rides the addiction factors. You may look into intra-state only for a time while you get clean. ( and we applaud your efforts in a tough situation) Intra-state only places you in the states guidelines and variances, (not FMCSA) which you may get through. The change in medications will make little difference due to the nature of the prescription.
Fred says
Thank you for the reply and the advice. It has been difficult finding an intrastate company willing to hire a driver with no experience. May I ask another question. I am at the point in my recovery where I can taper off/discontinue taking the suboxone. If I discontinue taking it and wait long enough for it to clear my system before seeing a CME do I still need to inform the CME that I was prescribed suboxone in the past year? Are CME’s able to view prescription history even if I choose (take the chance) not to list it? As long as it doesn’t show up in a hair or urine screening will I be in the clear? Or am I screwed for the time being because the CME can access a data base showing all my prescriptions and history of having them filled?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Fred
Once you discontinue your meds, you still need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and your substance abuse counselor. Denying appropriate information on the medical intake form could cost you in the long run. ? is it worth it?
Pam says
I have a class B cdl.I drive a bus. My doctor prescribed zolpidem for insomnia. Can I take this medication and still drive the bus?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Pam
You are a class B driver and should fall under your states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. Your medication would be in serious question if you had a class A interstate drivers license. Make sure your medical examiner knows the difference between your states guidelines and the class A DOT guidelines.
Stacy R says
Stop sharing that personal info. They have to test specifically for that. Keep those things your business in regard to that.
Edwina says
If you filled out your medical card before receiving your prescription, when and who is supposed to fill the new info out on the long medical card? The doctor or the driver? I went to my D.O.T Medical exam and the doctor ran blood work on me, before giving my certificate. She prescribed medication after I filled out the part to list ALL MEDS. Who is supposed to fill in the new info, the doc or me?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Edwina
DOT medical examiners are not supposed to perform any diagnostic testing or prescription handouts at the time of the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. We believe it should fall on the medical examiner to complete the proper paperwork in this case.
Rodney W says
My dot medical examiner disqualified me because I use to be prescribed suboxone I even went as far as to get a letter stating that I am no longer under the prescribers care and was told by the medical examiner that I could never have a medical card again unless I went to rehab
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Rodney W
Go get a second opinion, your last examiner may be over reading the FMCSA guidelines. Yes you need supporting documentation and a medical release form from your prescribing doctors, but with information in hand you could be OK.