Benzo's and 'controlled substances' info needed.

[EddieVHrules]

Do trucking schools and/or companies test you for these type of drugs? Xanax, Klonopin, etc. My recruiter today asked if I took any narcotics or controlled substances. I am on a very low dose of klonopin right now but if I have to I will get my ass off this s*it ASAP if it's going to prevent me from getting a driving job! I had no idea this would be an issue. Guess it could be a blessing anyways to get off this crap.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[EddieVHrules]

To add, I don't believe the driving school tests your blood to get your cdl with them, but I do think they test your blood to get a JOB with them. Is this correct? Is every company different? Is their a standard concerning this? Anywhere I can get info on the medical guidelines? I recall someone posted something from a DOT medical book but can't find that post.

Thanks again.

[Roadhog]

They do UA tests, and I don't know what levels they can detect.

A low dose must be for anxiety control? You will need to change your meds, and not risk your safety and others.
Pain or anxiety meds can make you sleepy, so talk to your Doctor, and let him know you're starting a driving career.

You have to have the health to do this job, and it's always best to be honest about what you are doing.
Other people are only going to know what you want them to know, and if you are hiding stuff, it usually comes back to bite you.

I do agree with you about keeping my medical info to myself, and my Doctor.
You have some time to get this squared away. I think drugs like that work out of your system in a week or two.
Maybe the dose is too low to show up anyway, but best see what your Doc says, and work this out with him.

[EddieVHrules]

Thanks for the info RoadHog. Appreciate it. I will keep it mind.

[GMAN]

I believe that there is a list of prohibited drugs listed on the fmcsa website. You may also be able to check with a local clinic or doctor who does DOT medical exams and ask them.

[Bigmon]

According to HIPPA it's non of the recruiters business. If it shows in a test the MRO ( medical review officer) contacts you to discuss the situation and checks to see if you have a perscription. He's or she is the one that passes you or fails you. There is also a certain level that won't show on the test.

The OOIDA legal dept has good explanation of how this works too.

BTW...if you get your own authority the MRO works for you.

[EddieVHrules]

In general, it seems to be harder to pass a COMPANY test than it is to pass a driving school test. I guess we'll see. In the meantime, I'm gonna try hard as hell over the next 2 weeks to get off or at least on such a low dose it won't matter.
Thanks for your input fellas.

[Roadhog]

(step-hobble step-hobble)
(wipes rum-soaked chin)

Yar m8 ... go cold turkey... n' good luck sez aye.

[EddieVHrules]

lol. Your nutty RoadHog. But it's all good. Wonder how much time you take to get these pics though....hmmmmm ha ha. But I guess fer a good laugh....
But seriously, going cold turkey from benzo's....BIG NO NO. Simply not an option. The withdrawals are told to be as bad as herion or other major drugs. The body builds a blood level tolerance therefor must be tapered off slowly.

[Bigmon]

If you have the money you could get tested yourself and see what shows. Many drivers are on benzo's or other similar meds. If you can't work because of a medical condition then you should look at disability.

[greg.g]

If you have the money you could get tested yourself and see what shows. Many drivers are on benzo's or other similar meds. If you can't work because of a medical condition then you should look at disability.

wow, my 1st post here... never would have expected it to be on this subject, but why not anyway, you can pick up a drug screen test panel at just about any pharmacy now days, they are inexpensive ( ball park $10.00) if the dose of meds you are on is large enough to show, the panel will let you know, good luck getting off the meds too.

[Windwalker]

I believe that there is a list of prohibited drugs listed on the fmcsa website. You may also be able to check with a local clinic or doctor who does DOT medical exams and ask them.

There was a list posted on this forum a couple of years ago. I'm not sure, but I think the "Rev" posted it. I remember I was quite surprised as what was all on the list. Maybe, someone that is better at using the search function might be able to find it...

[DirtyAstronaut]

I'm prescribed oxycodone for a chronic back issue I have. From what I understand, you may not OPERATE a truck under the influence of benzo's, opiate's, etc. Basically anything that can change your level of consciousness. BUT, and again, this is just from what I've read (most of it from the DOT), it says you may not operate a commercial vehicle if you've taken any of the drugs on the list in the last 24 hours, you must wait a full 24 hours before you may operate a commercial vehicle. Now that tells me you're allowed to be prescribed them (they can't tell you you're not allowed to be prescribed them). Here's the 'good' catch, depending on your dosage, it can stay in your system for days, they have no test that can show you're currently under the influence, maybe a blood test but thats pretty far for a company to go. Also, theres something called HIPPA, it says your medical records are CONFIDENTIAL. Unless you sign something releasing your medical records, I'm pretty sure drug tests dont require you to release medical records. If you turn up positive, like someone else said, they'll call and ask for the Dr's #, the prescription # and the pharmacys number to verify you're prescribed them.

Again this is just my understanding from what I've read. I'm prescribed oxycodone for back pain so I've tried to do my research. I only take them when I have severe pain and if it hurts that bad, I couldn't work anyways.

[DirtyAstronaut]

Here's some additional info found off the DOT website.

WHAT DRUGS ARE TESTED FOR?

All urine specimens are analyzed for the following drugs:

Marijuana (THC metabolite)
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Opiates (including heroin)
Phencyclidine (PCP)

The testing is a two-stage process. First, a screening test is performed. If it is positive for one or more of the drugs, then a confirmation test is performed for each identified drug using state-of-the-art gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. GC/MS confirmation ensures that over-the-counter medications or preparations are not reported as positive results.


WHO REVIEWS AND INTERPRETS THE LABORATORY RESULTS?

All drug test results are reviewed and interpreted by a physician (Medical Review Officer (MRO)) before they are reported to the employer. If the laboratory reports a positive result to the MRO, the MRO contacts the driver (in person or by telephone) and conducts an interview to determine if there is an alternative medical explanation for the drugs found in the driver's urine specimen. If the driver provides appropriate documentation and the MRO determines that it is legitimate medical use of the prohibited drug, the drug test result is reported as negative to the employer.

[Roadhog]

Glad they don't check for caffeine....or do a sniff test....