Question:
Whats their stance on a driver with moderate bipolar? I know the FAA can ground you for it, I was wondering for trucking....
(I am on Zyprexa and Lexapro)

Answer:
In the trucking business, they will probably let you run team with yourself. You'll make more money that way, but you'll have to set up two accounts for the money to be paid in. Seriously, the medical requirements for driving are lower than those of flight, so it probably isn't a problem.

Answer:
Hahaha yeah seems to be true as there are mortally obese drivers out there.

Answer:
You may have a problem. This job is for the bi-polar or depressed, like booze is for the alcoholic. The constant stress is a tremendous battle for a naturally stable person. You're on medication just to achieve that nornal, and maybe have less "head-room" to absorb all the stress this job entails. I'd think it would be pursuing exactly the wrong environment for your situation. I'd recommend another career.
The medication thing may do you in anyway. The carriers generally stay away from folks on psycho-drugs as protection against the few who might slip thru and make a big mess. In court, it's hard to defend why they put a chronic mental disorder requiring constant medication behind the wheel of an 80,000lb killing machine.
So your medications may eliminate your from consideration -- but I'll suggest it may not be the type of work you'd find acceptable anyway. Driving usually creates cronic emotional problems for drivers -- not the other way around. Talk to your shrink and see what he/she thinks. Be honest about how difficult you've learned driving is from reading these posts -- stress, stress an more STRESS. You probably already know what they would say, and I agree. Wrong job for you -- and that's a good thing. Everybody should be so lucky to have such a sensible reason not to drive truck.

Answer:
There is little doubt you can handle the pressures from driving. If your under the correct medication you can handle more than the average person.
But pressure in the work place is not your enemy. The medications you have to take are in the case of driving. Most anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications have side effects that will quickly disqualify you from driving. With some you are not even allowed to drive a car. I think you probably already know the side effects of the meds you are on now. They are not good.


In case you do not know
I am sure the meds alone will disqualify anyone taking them from the start. Bi-polar by itself can cause alot of problems if even one medication is missed. That also would most likely disqualify you. In your case all may be well right now but in time as the meds affect change in your system a very big problem could happen quickly. Being behind the wheel of 80,000 pounds of truck is not the place for a problem.

Answer:

Now that's funny. I don't care who you are.

Answer:
That is funny. Wish I'd thought a that un.....
Another thing -- DON'T LIE ABOUT IT!!! They must know every drug you take. If an accident takes you to civil court, your medication will be used against you and the company. Make sure the company knows you're taking this stuff, so they share the liability it might create.

Answer:
I think I heard this on Phil Hendrie the other night...
Answer:
Oh........this explains your recent postings.
Listen, we really, really need to talk. Unfortunately, i don't have time now because i'm in the middle of tenn.
But i will as soon as i get back.
And no, it probably won't be a problem w/ dot because half the dot personel are taking those medications as well.

Answer:

You did... ..and did you hear Phil explain th next day how he's in hot water with the FAA and possibly the FCC for it? Seems he mentioned a few carriers by name and they got a lot of calls and e-mails asking what kind of pilots were flying their planes... He jokingly said this may be the test-case with the FCC he's been talking about lately.... That guy... ...one of these days a real David G. Hall is gonna to can his azz.....
He did a great pilot bit a couple months ago -- flight controllers should have directories of famous movie stars so they won't get shot out of the sky if they accidentally fly over the White House. I did not know Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Bea Arthur and Sean Penn were licensed pilots!

Answer:
Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder
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Increased physical and mental activity and energy
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Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
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Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
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Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
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Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance
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Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
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Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
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Reckless behavior
Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder
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Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
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Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
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Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
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Pessimism, indifference
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Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
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Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
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Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
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Unexplained aches and pains
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Recurring thoughts of death or suicide