[greg.g]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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....