Prescription painkillers and trucking...

[colohayhauler]

I've got a question. Obviously. Its come to my attention...my..friend, who has trucks, recently discovered that one of his drivers was taking tramadol on a regular basis for severe knee pain. My friend didn't know about it until today, and is concerned about any illegal repercussions it may have for whatever reason, the driver does have a prescription for it and is not abusing said drug. Thanks!!

 

[Racer X 69]

What the owner of the motor carrier needs is a document from the driver's doctor that states the driver is able to perform the functions of the job unimpaired by the medications prescribed.

 

[colohayhauler]

Thank you for the advice kind sir!

 

[notarps4me]

A lot of times the companies insurance dictates what meds they will allow.

 

[Rigjockey]

The Doctors word should supersede everything.

 

[notarps4me]

The Doctors word should supersede everything.

Not if the company's insurance says you can't take it and work.

 

[Rigjockey]

Not if the company's insurance says you can't take it and work.

Hey,I'm not a doctor but I like to play one on the weekends.lol

 

[notarps4me]

Some companies have a medication list. If a driver is on it you either stay home until you don't need it or get a doc to prescribe something else.

 

[Road Dust]

Not if the company's insurance says you can't take it and work.

Out of curiousness, I wonder how often a company is more strict than standard DOT regulations? Does this happen a lot?

Tramadol isn't exactly a drug of choice, lol.

 

[Rigjockey]

If I could get a better definition of what tramadol is/does and what the side efffects are I could give a better answer.Anyone?

 

[notarps4me]

The problem is when a insurance company insures a company. Say a driver is taking a pain med at night time. It will stay in his system for a good while. Here comes a idiot 4 wheeler that causes a wreck. The first thing a big rig ambulance chasing lawyer wants to do is verify the drivers logs, see if there is any way they can hang him out to dry. He was on pain meds? Now we will sue the company and the driver. They don't give a flip about who caused the wreck, but now there is a 3 million dollar lawsuit aimed at the driver, company and the company that insures the driver and company.....

Out of curiousness, I wonder how often a company is more strict than standard DOT regulations? Does this happen a lot?

Tramadol isn't exactly a drug of choice, lol.

 

[Road Dust]

If I could get a better definition of what tramadol is/does and what the side efffects are I could give a better answer.Anyone?

I've heard it that it doesn't help much with moderate pain. Not sure what "schedule" it is rated.

 

[Road Dust]

The problem is when a insurance company insures a company. Say a driver is taking a pain med at night time. It will stay in his system for a good while. Here comes a idiot 4 wheeler that causes a wreck. The first thing a big rig ambulance chasing lawyer wants to do is verify the drivers logs, see if there is any way they can hang him out to dry. He was on pain meds? Now we will sue the company and the driver. They don't give a flip about who caused the wreck, but now there is a 3 million dollar lawsuit aimed at the driver, company and the company that insures the driver and company.....

I know, but even Tylenol is a pain med. Not a prescription one, but I doubt Tramadol being much more impairing. Sometimes over the counter stuff, like NyQuil and Tylenol PM, can be worse but no record of taking it.

 

[Road Dust]

If I could get a better definition of what tramadol is/does and what the side efffects are I could give a better answer.Anyone?

Tramadol Side Effects | Drugs.com

 

[notarps4me]

script meds have opiats sp? that attach to the brain stem. The pain does not go away, but the brain thinks it did. It will take a couple weeks to get it out of your system.

I know, but even Tylenol is a pain med. Not a prescription one, but I doubt Tramadol being much more impairing. Sometimes over the counter stuff, like NyQuil and Tylenol PM, can be worse but no record of taking it.

 

[Road Dust]

script meds have opiats sp? that attach to the brain stem. The pain does not go away, but the brain thinks it did. It will take a couple weeks to get it out of your system.

Not all pain scripts are opiates.

Just the good ones

 

[notarps4me]

Not all pain scripts are opiates.

Just the good ones

Not all meds are on the no driving list....

 

[Road Dust]

Not if the company's insurance says you can't take it and work.

Not all meds are on the no driving list....

The DOT examiner usually know whats on the no driving list. The driver can get a statement from their doctor as to why they should be allowed to drive and that is usually acceptable if there is a question concerning non narcotic drug impairment.

 

[notarps4me]

Companies have their own list.

The DOT examiner usually know whats on the no driving list. The driver can get a statement from their doctor as to why they should be allowed to drive and that is usually acceptable if there is a question concerning non narcotic drug impairment.

 

[Road Dust]

Out of curiousness, I wonder how often a company is more strict than standard DOT regulations? Does this happen a lot?

Tramadol isn't exactly a drug of choice, lol.

Companies have their own list.

I feel like we are repeating ourselves, lol