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teamster · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 152

zyban is an anti depressant drug,but it is also used for other things. I thought as a CDL holder you cannot be on an anti depressant drug. Does anybody have more info on this. I am not taking for depression, but just wondering.

DesertRat · Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Posts: 95 Location: SE Arizona

Zyban (Wellbutrin) isn't on any of the narcotics schedules referenced by the FMCSR's so I'm not sure how it would be prohibited. Furthermore, it won't show up on a drug screen.

There are some companies thatr won't allow most medications, but how they know you are taking them I have no idea. Furthermore, you could probably cover yourself with a note from your doctor explaining that the medication is prescribed for smoking cessation (I presume that is the reason, that is Zybans big seller.)

Uturn2001 · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:

As far as the FMCSA is concerned a driver can take any medication prescribed so long as it does not pose a safety risk.

As far as some companies are concerned there are pages of medications they will not allow a driver to take.

teamster · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 152

thanks for the replies. I just thought depression was a disqualifier until it was under control and since zyban is depression drug I figured it might be a problem. Where can I find the list of prohibited drugs.

DesertRat · Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Posts: 95 Location: SE Arizona

The prohibited substances are vaguely enumerated (which is to say by catagory not specific drug) in CFR 391.41(b)(12)

As for depression drugs, they are not prohibited. However, depression may be a disqualifier, depending on a companies interpretation of CFR 391.41(b)(9)

"(b)(9) Has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely;"

This is an area where a letter from the treating doctor often comes in handy.

Since you don't suffer from depression, this should be a non issue. However, admitting that you are taking an antidepressant may well send up a red flag. Again, a letter from the treating physcian explaining the reason for the prescription would likely solve any problems.

for a full rundown of medical qulifications, see http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?rule_toc=760&section=391.41&section_toc=1781

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