Question:
I was recently turned down for training & employment after they found out I am taking antidepressants. Is this common in trucking?

Answer:
Yup.
"I consider myself a good judge of character, and that's why I don't like nobody."
-Roseanne
Answer:
Just like the military...
Don't ask...don't tell...
I was taking one when I started out 2.5 years back - never did show up on any drug screen - so I never told anyone...
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I'm not a truck driver, I'm a professional tourist!

Answer:
I've been taking Prozac for about 4 years now. The company knows about it and it's not a problem. Maybe it's because I was already working for them when I started taking it. Who knows? Every company is different.
Time's fun when you're having flies - Kermit The Frog

Answer:
You'd think if we were all on anti-depresants, there'd be no road rage or crap like that.
I think I'd hire someone on this medication---it ain't like you're high or any thing is it?
Just content and easy going, right?
Or what is the "mood" you get from these meds?
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I belive I've had it y'all.It's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

Answer:
No they are not drugs that get you high, nor are they on the DOT list. I guess that company just has a blanket policy against those things. I do not get drowsy after taking them, either. There are some people that need to take meds pretty much all the time. I'm just lucky I guess.
I agree with not volunteering anything that might cause you to not get hired, but I think you have to be honest when they ask you a direct question about something.
I would imagine that the boredom, loneliness, frustration, etc. of OTR trucking would lead many a trucker to feeling a little bit depressed...

Answer:
A lot of anti depressants are made from opitiates and are dangerous to use when driving. Many have that warning on their label or in their literature.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
There are some companies that do not allow the use of antidepressants. All that was required of me was that I submit a note from the perscribing physician that the medication would have no adverse effects (such as drowsiness) that would impair the driver.

Answer:
White Dog---depression often is a purely physical problem like high blood pressure or diabetes. The synapses in the brain do not "fire" properly which can affect mood. Antidepressants do not give one a "high" or "feel good", but allow a person to function and react to stresses more normally, seeing the glass half full rather that half empty.