Question:
Well, after a very long month and 1/2 preparing to go to training at USXpress, their doc disqualified me because of a medication I am on. The funny thing is though that I did all my homework prior to going to USX to make sure this wouldn't happen and was promised by the DOT doc (at the time that's who I thought I talked to) I wouldn't be disqualified. Now, both my husband and I are out of jobs and the fear of going through this again is overwhelming me. The DOT doc that did the physical didn't go by the regulations (at least that is what I think) and I feel I was wrongly disqualified. He told me that the federal motor carrier safety regulations booklet is a out of date and the federal motor carrier safety commissionor I spoke to was a liar! He was going by a booklet that I have never heard of or seen before and is making his decisions based on this booklet and not the safety regulations booklet. Anyway, I am fearing that my dream of becoming a truck driver is slim. I would get the medication switched if my doctor felt it would do any good. Sometimes I wonder why I even went as far as to get the doctor's note and tell them I was on this medication. Just really sad right now and I guess I need a boost to continue on. It's gonna be hard living on no income soon. Thanks for reading!
Denise

Answer:
You might have to disclose the medication you are on, when you post this on the Law Forum.
If you want some advice.
Is it an "Anti-Depresant"? (just guessing)
_________________________
Cover Your Cans People!!!It's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

Answer:
A company can disqualify you for any reason they want. It may be legal according to the FMCSR but the company does not have to hire because of it.
Depending on what it is your taking it could be difficult to get hired. Most likely though unless it is an antidepressant or something along those lines there will be a company that will take you.
I'm not sure I follow why your husband can't work?
"Caution: Door May Open"

Answer:
The medication I am taking is Xanax. I spoke with Swift today and their doc does not have a problem qualifying me with a note from my doctor. I have an appointment next week with my doctor to see if he will evaluate my medication and possibly switch it to something else (this is very unlikely though) I have no side effects from this medication. I have been on it for 7 or 8 years. It is used for mild anxiety. Hubby is not working since he only wanted to drive for USX if we were to drive team. He is currently trying to get hired on with his old company again. I was really wanting to get on with USX because I am not very experienced with a stick shift and very nervous trying to learn so much in such a short time. Anyway, I agree that they may have had their reasons for disqualifying me. I am just hurt and nervous right now not having a job and all. Plus, teaming with hubby is a dream of ours and I feel something is always trying to work against us.

Answer:
You will find that most company employed/contracted doctors are those who aren't good enough to maintain their own private practice. Most will take something that they were told, and or read, and run with it. If you wanted, you could force the issue with this doctor and make him give you the details on the disqualifying criteria he used, but it's alot easier to go with another carrier, rather than make this into a protracted legal battle.

Answer:
Dr3137, welcome to TruckNet!
Your thread has been copied to the Medical forum, be sure to check there for any additional posts. Nurse Red may have some input on this as well. Consider an email to Nurse Red for any input she may have should you care to share the name of the medication in confidence rather than in open forum.
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Answer:
"The medication I am taking is Xanax." I know it's late or maybe early. . But she already posted the medication. An anti depressant. Lots of companies will disqualify for it. It's to bad in some cases. Some people have a more normal life while on it as opposed to not taking anything.
I was under the impression it is addictive and not very easy to stop taking.
"Caution: Door May Open"

Answer:
A minor point, Xanax is an anti-anxiety, which is chemically different from an antidepressant. Xanax is more similar to Valium than it is to Prozac.
Some anti-anxiety drugs (such as Valium) are sleep inducing, and therefore it can be hard to get work in the trucking industry. A note from the doctor stating that someone can take the drug and safely drive a truck is almost certainly necessary. And even then a carrier may deny employment, although not every carrier will do so.

Answer:
need a letter from your primary care physician stating the medication you are taking, the reason behind it, and most importantly that your doctor does not feel that it causes a danger to you driving.
The company doctors do not "stick their necks out" for any reason, and the letter seems to eliminate any responbility they have should something happen.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
There is a thing that is called "being too honest". This is what has happened to you. You told too much. This "medication deal" would have never been an issue if you had kept your mouth shut.
Dont ever think that the company will be 100% honest with you. And I take the same approach when I deal with a trucking company or when ever I deal with anyone for that matter. Some things are best never said.
Just a grouchy old man.

Answer:
I agree with you Nocount---however some medications change the balance in chemistry in the body, and may show up as an "illegal" drug on a pre-employment drug screen.
Some times you have to disclose it.
I'm on Prilosec (for acid reflux), and it can show up as an illegal drug (and has, but the doctors somehow new it was probably something else---and asked if I was taking medication).
Or is it that I'm on illegal drugs, and it showed up as Prilosec?
_________________________
Cover Your Cans People!!!It's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

Answer:
I kind of thought this medication is what my wife is taking. Hers is called Alprazolam. Very addictive and worth alot of precation.
Xanax
"Caution: Door May Open"

Answer:
Useless Xpress= what did you expect from a bunch of rednecks? Be glad, very glad!

Answer:
You might be better off getting your training in trucks that require shifting anyway. Its a good skill to have anyway if you decide to change companies in the future.

Answer:
Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is marked by unrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Xanax.
Xanax tablets contain the active ingredient alprazolam, which is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative and anxiety-relieving effects.
Benzodiazepines work by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) in the brain.
WARNING!!!!!
This medicine causes drowsiness, muscle weakness and impairs concentration and alertness. These effects may continue into the following day and are made worse by drinking alcohol. If you are affected you should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid alcohol.
I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.. My professional opinion as a driver is that they made the right decision in disqualifying you. There is the underlying condition that must considered, the possible drug reactions and in my mind the question of culpability should you get in an accident. Whether or not the medication or condition was the cause of the accident, the focus would be on the medication, condition and “who in the hell hired you to begin with”. Some conditions should preclude you from being in an 80,000 lb truck tooling down the hiway. Not everyone is qualified to do this kind of work and not everyone should be given the opportunity to hurt or kill someone.