Prescription Adderall and CDL.

[Gased]

I think the title is pretty self explanatory.

I can't find a clear answer on whether or not this is a disqualifying drug. I know it is a Class II "controlled substance" labeled by the DEA. Most are banned by D.O.T. regulations but I read somewhere that if you have a letter from a health care providing stating it does not affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, any positive results on a drug test would be waived by the MRO.

I also know it is an amphetamine that will undoubtedly show positive on a drug test.

I have an office job and was diagnosed many years ago with A.D.D. I still have trouble scheduling my priorities and feel this would help BUT I want to know my facts before I go to the doctor. I'm not a pill popper. I am very weary of stuff like this but like many who suffer from this, could use some help.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[stonefly]

Amphetamines are dangerous. Amphetamines will have you feeling like everything is cool when things are definitely not cool.

I know whites are part of trucking folklore and have been and still are a reality in the industry. Personally I wouldn't touch an upper or any drug for that matter. That goes double for being at the wheel.

 

[Picnic]

Amphetamines are dangerous. Amphetamines will have you feeling like everything is cool when things are definitely not cool.

I know whites are part of trucking folklore and have been and still are a reality in the industry. Personally I wouldn't touch an upper or any drug for that matter. That goes double for being at the wheel.

Dito. To use a drug that makes me fail a drug test, is no less then cutting my own neck. Not so much for DOT, but when I have to stand in front of the Judge cause this tweeked out crack head ran a light and got crushed by my truck. Welcome back Glen!

 

[Injun]

Adderall: dextroamphetamine/amphetamine.

Find a different ADD treatment.

 

[DrDaliah]

I'm not sure what drugs are listed as "banned" for Commercial Drivers, but some of my patients find therapeutic benefit from Provigil or Wellbutrin when the can't take ADD meds that fall under the stimulant class.

 

[Gased]

I'm not sure what drugs are listed as "banned" for Commercial Drivers, but some of my patients find therapeutic benefit from Provigil or Wellbutrin when the can't take ADD meds that fall under the stimulant class.

I know what Wellbutrin is but Provigil I do not.

Based off of the information I looked up on Provigil, it seems almost the same as Adderall, no?

Does it work on a different part of the brain?


As for all the other post, thanks for your input. I do not drive anymore, I think I mentioned that. My job requires me to hold a valid CDL. I haven't driven a semi since September.

I can understand the logic behind your guys' concerned posts but Adderall was never a euphoric, I'm f*$ked feeling. It worked when I was younger. I went from a 1.7 cumulative GPA to a 3.0, which I graduated with. I really helped me organize my thoughts and my life.

I'm well aware of the potential dangers and well as the potential addiction. Remember, I am recovering. This is why I am asking and this is why I put it up where I knew the Doc would answer. I am very cautious as is my doctor when it comes to this type of stuff. I've been seeing him for over ten years, 5 of which I've been sober for. He knows me better than myself sometimes.

 

[stonefly]

I'm not sure what drugs are listed as "banned" for Commercial Drivers, but some of my patients find therapeutic benefit from Provigil or Wellbutrin when the can't take ADD meds that fall under the stimulant class.

What happens to innate response to adversity if drugs are taken to alleviate symptoms? Previously accepted facts of life are now sorted into categories, redefined as abnormalities, and treated with mood altering chemicals.

If performance is prioritized and promoted through the use of chemical agents, what happens to the flesh and blood cathedral of the spirit? Are vague, unnamable, unaccountable yearnings erased from the equations of success and failure, where humans have traditionally responded to their yearnings with action born of equally vague, unnamable, unaccountable sources buried deep in the corners of their souls?

Drugs are prescriptions for success. Failure is regarded a weed. The real turf lies between success and failure. Only a druggy opts for a prescription ride to the goal line.

 

[DrDaliah]

Anyone, with the exception of a patient suffering mania, will notice improvement on stimulants. Our sympathetic flight/fright response is evidence as well, how we concentrate and function to a better ability when we are "pumped up." The ADHD meds have helped kids get better grades in school and adults concentrate, but I don't prescribe them because we're not trained on when to take people OFF. Many patients always have an excuse on staying on them to function (well if I needed in grade school, I need them in high school, and after school i need them to stay focused on my job...)and I can't comfotably keep prescribing them knowing there is no end in site. So I usually have an ADD specialist take over.

Provigil is a medicaton we use for our chronic fatigue patients and althought not a form of amphetamine, it is a stimulant that doesn't not trigger positive blood tests.

Wellbutrin is a medicaton we use for depression, smoking cessation, that stimulates our norepinephrine/adreniline system. Again won't trigger drug tests, but needs to be avoided in people who have had a seizure disorder.

 

[Racer X 69]

Look here for just about everything you need to know about what is and is not allowed: Alcohol and Drug Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The drug rules prohibit any unauthorized use of the controlled substances. Illicit use of drugs by safety-sensitive drivers is prohibited on or off duty. The FMCSA has some additional rules that prohibit the use of legally prescribed controlled substances (such as barbiturates, amphetamines, morphine, etc.) by safety-sensitive drivers involved in interstate commerce.

{Notice that it says illicit use of drugs. There are exceptions for legitimate use of some prescription drugs.}

Here is a list of prohibited drugs (in PDF): http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title21-vol9/pdf/CFR-2011-title21-vol9-sec1308-11.pdf

From the FMCSA (Go here to read it all: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/faqs.aspx#question81 ) :

77. What medications disqualify a CMV driver?
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.
There is an exception: the prescribing doctor can write that the driver is safe to be a commercial driver while taking the medication. In this case, the Medical Examiner may, but does not have to certify the driver.
Any anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying.
Methadone use is disqualifying.
The Medical Examiner has 2 ways to determine if any medication a driver uses will adversely affect safe operation of a CMV:
1. Review each medication - prescription, non-prescription and supplement
2. Request a letter from the prescribing doctor



81. Can a CMV driver be disqualified for using a legally prescribed drug?
Although the driver has a legal prescription, he/she may be disqualified if the medication could adversely affect the driver's ability to drive a CMV safely.

82. When may I request a waiver/exemption?

You may request a waiver if one or more of the FMCSRs would prevent you from using or operating CMVs or make it unreasonably difficult to do so, during a unique, non-emergency event that will take no more that three months to complete. You may apply for an exemption if one or more FMCSRs prevents you from implementing more efficient or effective operations that would maintain a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level achieved without the exemption.

So there you have it. Straight from the horse's mouth.

Are you able to use a medication and remain "fit for duty?" Take this information and consult your physician.

Good luck to you Gased.

 

[stonefly]

Anyone, with the exception of a patient suffering mania, will notice improvement on stimulants... Many patients always have an excuse on staying on them to function (well if I needed in grade school, I need them in high school, and after school i need them to stay focused on my job...)

Yes, that is precisely the point I was trying to make, in my perhaps convoluted manner.

 

[Gased]

What happens to innate response to adversity if drugs are taken to alleviate symptoms? Previously accepted facts of life are now sorted into categories, redefined as abnormalities, and treated with mood altering chemicals.

If performance is prioritized and promoted through the use of chemical agents, what happens to the flesh and blood cathedral of the spirit? Are vague, unnamable, unaccountable yearnings erased from the equations of success and failure, where humans have traditionally responded to their yearnings with action born of equally vague, unnamable, unaccountable sources buried deep in the corners of their souls?

Drugs are prescriptions for success. Failure is regarded a weed. The real turf lies between success and failure. Only a druggy opts for a prescription ride to the goal line.

Deep thoughts.

I don't agree with your last statement though.... I'm assuming you aren't referring to (me) as a druggy.

A humble individual that admits they struggle in a area in life cannot be regarded as someone looking for a free ride. I have risen through many adversity in life. I have overcome what most can't even fathom or entertain the thought of in their own lives.

I have been promoted to a position of extreme demand and a position that requires a different part of my cognitive abilities. My company, a fortune 100, never sleeps. The 32 drivers that report to me count on my ability to schedule my priorities so that any obstacle they encounter can be removed and their already difficult job made easier.

I will keep researching different avenues but honestly I am leaning towards cognitive therapy through a professional. I'm a perfectionist, not a druggy, not someone who settles for societal norms, and certainly not someone looking for a free ride.

Thanks to all for their input.

 

[Rigjockey]

I think the title is pretty self explanatory.

I can't find a clear answer on whether or not this is a disqualifying drug. I know it is a Class II "controlled substance" labeled by the DEA. Most are banned by D.O.T. regulations but I read somewhere that if you have a letter from a health care providing stating it does not affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, any positive results on a drug test would be waived by the MRO.

I also know it is an amphetamine that will undoubtedly show positive on a drug test.

I have an office job and was diagnosed many years ago with A.D.D. I still have trouble scheduling my priorities and feel this would help BUT I want to know my facts before I go to the doctor. I'm not a pill popper. I am very weary of stuff like this but like many who suffer from this, could use some help.

Any help would be appreciated.

Hey, Welcome to the club of Actual people with ADD and not the self diagnosed Douche bags that think it's joke. I did the Ritalin thing in high school but it left me too strung out. I quit taking it.

I currently do not take anything for it. I know some cases are more severe than others and we can recognize one another at first site.

Hence, My perpetuation for derailing threads here. It's not on purpose. But, A word, a thought or vision sets me off in my own direction.

 

[Tim]

Hey, Welcome to the club of Actual people with ADD and not the self diagnosed Douche bags that think it's joke. I did the Ritalin thing in high school but it left me too strung out. I quit taking it.

I currently do not take anything for it. I know some cases are more severe than others and we can recognize one another at first site.

Hence, My perpetuation for derailing threads here. It's not on purpose. But, A word, a thought or vision sets me off in my own direction.

Well hells bells, we all have ADD then if derailing a thread is a symptom. LOL

 

[Rigjockey]

Well hells bells, we all have ADD then if derailing a thread is a symptom. LOL

a round of Ritalin for everyone! On me I'm buying.lol

 

[Tim]

a round of Ritalin for everyone! On me I'm buying.lol

That will be a new requirement to joint the forum. Must show proof of Ritalin subscription and/or refill date. LMAO

 

[Rigjockey]

That will be a new requirement to joint the forum. Must show proof of Ritalin subscription and/or refill date. LMAO

On that crap it would take..........(spacing). Where was I? On that crap would take a month of........(spaced) where was I? On that crap it would take a month Sundays to get anything posted. Wow that was five minutes? Felt like a whole day. Lmao

 

[Rigjockey]

Most people with ADD score real high on intelligence tests. It's their lack of focus and impulsiveness that is their downfall.

 

[stonefly]

f

Hey, Welcome to the club of Actual people with ADD and not the self diagnosed Douche bags that think it's joke. I did the Ritalin thing in high school but it left me too strung out. I quit taking it.

I currently do not take anything for it. I know some cases are more severe than others and we can recognize one another at first site.

Hence, My perpetuation for derailing threads here. It's not on purpose. But, A word, a thought or vision sets me off in my own direction.

Informative post.

A word, thought or vision sets you off in your own direction. That's an affliction? Why isn't it a gift? Who told you that you needed a drug?

I came close to flunking courses throughout middle school and high school because I could not pay attention. I don't know if that's attention deficit disorder, but this goes back the late 50s and early 60s. I'll tell you the truth about those times. You either passed or you failed. I could be wrong, but I don't think kids who failed were prescribed any drugs. They just repeated the year in school. They called it "staying back". I didn't want to stay back, so I forced myself to do things in order to pass. It was not easy by any means. The woods called to me. The rivers called to me. The sweet spring nights called to me. My friends hanging out called to me. The pretty girls called to me. It was torture in a way. It was sacrifice, but there were no drugs. There was only the specter of "staying back". I had a friend who stayed back. I was no more intelligent than him, not by any means. He was just less afraid. Maybe in the general scheme of things he did better.

I'm not young anymore, but when I'm having a conversation with someone I need to keep myself reined in, because someone will say something that triggers my imagination and without warning my mind is off on a tangent while they talk to themselves. I think that is uncool. It's impolite. With practice, I've been able to stash thoughts and inspirations for later. I'm a loner at heart. I don't know if I was always a loner, but I believe one can become a loner through experience. One thing I have learned from experience is to not trust drugs of any kind. I'd rather fall and fail and get back up and try again. I'd rather work the rest of my life with a pick and shovel. I'd rather wander through life with nothing but the shirt on my back, than to be tied in any way to any kind of drug.

I'm telling you the truth. Now, the country has pharmaceutical companies churning out drugs for all occasions, and it's happening at the same time the country is falling deeper into debt and losing its liberty. I claim there is a connection there. There is more to life than performance in the workplace. If performance in the workplace is the only thing that matters, then all other principles of a free nation wither from lack of attention. There is the real attention deficit.

I have a fear that big wigs in the pharmaceutical companies have spies out and about and when people like me spout off like this we get reported and assigned a heaping ration of "bad luck". Is there a drug for that? Maybe I should simply shut up. Oops! There goes freedom of speech right down the drain.

 

[Rigjockey]

Informative post.

A word, thought or vision sets you off in your own direction. That's an affliction? Why isn't it a gift? Who told you that you needed a drug?

I came close to flunking courses throughout middle school and high school because I could not pay attention. I don't know if that's attention deficit disorder, but this goes back the late 50s and early 60s. I'll tell you the truth about those times. You either passed or you failed. I could be wrong, but I don't think kids who failed were prescribed any drugs. They just repeated the year in school. They called it "staying back". I didn't want to stay back, so I forced myself to do things in order to pass. It was not easy by any means. The woods called to me. The rivers called to me. The sweet spring nights called to me. My friends hanging out called to me. The pretty girls called to me. It was torture in a way. It was sacrifice, but there were no drugs. There was only the specter of "staying back". I had a friend who stayed back. I was no more intelligent than him, not by any means. He was just less afraid. Maybe in the general scheme of things he did better.

I'm not young anymore, but when I'm having a conversation with someone I need to keep myself reigned in, because someone will say something that triggers my imagination and without warning my mind is off on a tangent while they talk to themselves. I think that is uncool. It's impolite. With practice, I've been able to stash thoughts and inspirations for later. I'm a loner at heart. I don't know if I was always a loner, but I believe one can become a loner through experience. One thing I have learned from experience is to not trust drugs of any kind. I'd rather fall and fail and get back up and try again. I'd rather work the rest of my life with a pick and shovel. I'd rather wander through life with nothing but the shirt on my back, than to be tied in any way to any kind of drug.

I'm telling you the truth. Now, the country has pharmaceutical companies churning out drugs for all occasions, and it's happening at the same time the country is falling deeper into debt and losing its liberty. I claim there is a connection there. There is more to life than performance in the workplace. If performance in the workplace is the only thing that matters, then all other principles of a free nation wither from lack of attention. There is the real attention deficit.

I have a fear that big wigs in the pharmaceutical companies have spies out and about and when people like me spout off like this we get reported and assigned a heaping ration of "bad luck". Is there a drug for that? Maybe I should simply shut up. Oops! There goes freedom of speech right down the drain.

It is indeed a gift as well! Jumping too far ahead , Skipping steps. Frustrating Then your eyes glaze over as someone is talking and you already got the point on the first word You are two steps ahead of them. So when you blurt out a word they look at you like where are you coming from? I was just replying the the sentence they where going to make in about two minutes.

 

[stonefly]

Deep thoughts.

I don't agree with your last statement though.... I'm assuming you aren't referring to (me) as a druggy.

A humble individual that admits they struggle in a area in life cannot be regarded as someone looking for a free ride. I have risen through many adversity in life. I have overcome what most can't even fathom or entertain the thought of in their own lives.

I have been promoted to a position of extreme demand and a position that requires a different part of my cognitive abilities. My company, a fortune 100, never sleeps. The 32 drivers that report to me count on my ability to schedule my priorities so that any obstacle they encounter can be removed and their already difficult job made easier.

I will keep researching different avenues but honestly I am leaning towards cognitive therapy through a professional. I'm a perfectionist, not a druggy, not someone who settles for societal norms, and certainly not someone looking for a free ride.

Thanks to all for their input.

Not a free ride, an expensive ride.

I don't understand why you need drugs if you've overcome many adversities in life. Were you taking drugs at the time you struggled with adversity? Maybe the drugs made things more difficult.

Your third paragraph says a lot. Others are counting upon you to schedule your priorities so that their job is easier? Different part of your cognitive abilities? Maybe you have taken on more than you can handle. If you need drugs in order to do your job you will ruin your health, and then you will not be able to do the job with or without drugs. At that point you will be discarded.

Again, I never said free ride. Drugs are prescribed in order to insure success, to achieve desired results, and the price is much higher than the cash you lay out for the drugs.

I once knew a real nice guy. He had a real nice family who loved him and depended upon him. He loved them and treated them well. He was a dispatcher. He relied on drugs. He died from it. I knew the guy. I don't know what he thought of himself, but I knew him well enough to know that he could have done without the drugs.

Drugs are dangerous. They make you think you're doing well when you're not. The illusion can proceed seemingly forever, but in the end there is only one possible outcome... disaster.