Odds of passing a DOT medical exam while taking Klonopin for schizophrenia?
Posted by DryIntroduction2008@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 46 comments
From what I've been reading the schizophrenia won't be a big issue. I've been taking 3mg klonopin per day for 4 years. I have no issues driving and I think I can get my doctor to give a written statement that the Klonopin doesn't impact my driving.
I have one warning for a fender bender and no DUIs.
What are my odds?
anxious_polarbear@reddit
It's amazing how much people divulge to thier medical examiners and then wonder why they don't pass. They don't test for Benzos. They won't know about the klonopin or schizophrenia if you don't tell them. Keep your mouth shut.
Sensitive-Put-6416@reddit
Doesn’t matter whether you give them the information. It’s on your medical record that you have a prescription and diagnosis.
anxious_polarbear@reddit
I don't go to my pcp for dot physicals. I go to a separate provider that doesn't have any of my records.
Sensitive-Put-6416@reddit
They can still pull your medical records and see what prescription you have.
anxious_polarbear@reddit
No they can't. Ever heard of HIPAA?
Sensitive-Put-6416@reddit
Well thats what happened to me.
anxious_polarbear@reddit
That's exactly how HIPAA works. Nobody can access your medical records unless you give them explicit permission. I've never had a ohicial examiner ask me for my medical records, and they wouldn't know where to get them from anyway.
Imaginativested@reddit
In a serious injury or fatally accident no matter who is at fault they will do a blood draw and test for everything then you will be in prison for lying on a federal document and vehicular homicide.
Antique_One7110@reddit
Schizophrenia is a potentially disqualifying diagnosis, multiple criteria are established to determine if a CME should certify a driver who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Medication and symptom history are 2 factors involved, the CME may require statements from your doctor stating you’ll be able to do the job and your medication won’t impact you while doing your job.
Be aware, if you do have a serious accident and don’t disclose this condition, your liability can be unlimited both civilly and criminally.
FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook pages 86-87 are the relevant pages.
Gonzotrucker1@reddit
I thought it was a requirement for obtaining a cdl.
Visual-Hovercraft230@reddit
This is America….gotta get a doc to sign off for work for roughly half the population, helps with court stuff but also helps with capitalism.
Ok_Bus4017@reddit
good call on checking the actual handbook - that liability piece is no joke and something people don't always think about upfront. definitely worth getting everything properly documented with your doc before the exam rather than trying to wing it.
ahowls@reddit
Incredible they will ruin your cdl for weed but let you drive completely black out on xans
Row30@reddit
Xans are prohibited, even with a letter from the prescribing physician. The Medical Examiner can deny usage, thus canceling your medical card, thus suspending your CDL.
Antique_One7110@reddit
No they aren’t. The only prohibited medications are anti seizure meds taken to prevent seizures. All other medications are CME discretion and may require prescribing doctor to document it.
ahowls@reddit
Ok, benzos. Same shit
Row30@reddit
Benzos. Same answer
maroonblood94@reddit
Benzos, weirdly enough, are the only major narcotic that DOT doesn’t test for. Makes no sense to me since benzos are addictive and do cause extreme sedation. That being said, you’ll pass the drug test just fine. Whether the examiner will actually sign off is a different question.
Antique_One7110@reddit
You know that Benzodiazepines are not narcotics. They are their own drug category.
Sensitive-Put-6416@reddit
It’s going to be up to the medical examiner in the end. Make sure that you have that written statement from your doctor. Stay calm if you get denied and try a different examiner. It’s not fair that you are keeping your head in the game but the rules are against you. It’s not an automatic disqualification, but DOT physicians aren’t physiatrist and often feel scared for their license as well. If you lose it or fall asleep at the wheel and kill someone or yourself, it can go back on them. As for odds it’s 50/50 you are approved or you are not. Good luck!
adidaman@reddit
I'm sorry but if you have a major mental disorder I don't think you should be behind the wheel of a semi. That's a little concerning to me
DryIntroduction2008@reddit (OP)
I'm assuming you don't know much about psychiatry?
Cardinal_350@reddit
I've got a cousin with schizophrenia. Any lapse in medication ends in him getting hogtied by the state police usually. I don't know you personally nor your case but I would not want my cousin operating an 80,000lb missile. Hell I don't leave him alone with my wife and kids in a room. He's almost killed someone in his family before off his meds
goalmaster14@reddit
This is why you get a letter from your doctor. If you're not in any condition to operate a vehicle, they won't sign off on it. Not everyone with a mental illness is a danger on the road, especially if they're compliant with managing the condition and taking any required meds for it.
Spankpocalypse_Now@reddit
The majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent. And if anything, OP is less crazy than the average trucker because he knows his diagnoses and is properly medicated.
DryIntroduction2008@reddit (OP)
Well I wish your cousin the best, but I'm medication compliant. Big difference there.
It seems like some people in this thread are more comfortable paying my meal ticket with their taxes than I am. I want to work for a living and I'm a great driver.
NotTooGoodBitch@reddit
I support you.
COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit
Idk dude I think you've gotta have a touch of mental illness to drive a truck
Flowing_North@reddit
It not a game of odds. They either test for said drug or they don't. Find out before you go because a dirty is a dirty and you don't want the hit on you record.
goalmaster14@reddit
I mean that depends on if you have a valid prescription and if your doctor signs off that you can operate the vehicle safely while on it. My ADHD meds would pop up on a drug test and I have to show proof it's prescribed to me. It's actually why I keep the prescription paperwork in my bag in case my company ever pulls me in for a random drug test.
anxious_polarbear@reddit
They don't test for Benzos.
Imaginativested@reddit
Get involved in a serious accident and they will test for everything
Row30@reddit
Klonapin is on the DOT list of prohibited drugs. Even if you have you care provider give you a letter, it’s ultimately up to the Medical Examiner to accept or reject the letter.
FMCSA DOT Drug info
dbroCLE@reddit
Benzodiazepines are prohibited by the DOT last I checked
anxious_polarbear@reddit
But they don't test for them. They only know you use them if you tell them.
dbroCLE@reddit
If that's true, I had no idea
Jimpetey@reddit
So is Wellbutrin but I just get a note every year from my doctor saying I can drive and take the medication.
I'm not saying anything one way or the other about schizophrenia or the medication because I have no idea. Just saying some DOT restricted medications you are able to use with a doctor's note.
Spankpocalypse_Now@reddit
I’m surprised they have stricter rules for Wellbutrin than they do for SSRIs.
Zaphod-Beebebrox@reddit
Well it's not CBD...
Round_Rooms@reddit
Youll likely have to renew your fed med more frequently if you are even allowed.
MostOriginalNameEver@reddit
I think you should reconsider. Are you stable under stress and isolation?
Aromatic-Scratch3481@reddit
You need a physician to sign off that the klonopin and schizophrenia dont affect your driving and then your medical examiner has to accept that.
Environmental-Pear40@reddit
I mean, The medical examiners can be dicks sometimes. If you can find one willing to accept your doctor's evaluation then you're probably good.
NotMeUsee@reddit
100% they don't test for benzos
lottanadatosay@reddit
Other drivers have been prescribed a small amount of klonopin for sleep and have been fine on the medical. The dr who signs off on your medical card is ensuring you’re taking a low enough dose of a sedative to be safe behind 80000lbs. At 3mgs, it will be difficult to find one, I think. But, you should need to get your med card before the school, so go see one of the chiropractors licensed to do DOT exams with a clear letter from your dr and your CDL permit and see what the tester says before you hand over money for CDL school.
Consistent-Mode-7947@reddit
Consult a dot medical examiner. They can let you know if your doctors opinion matters. If it does then it’s just a form the examiner sends your doctor then your doctor returns it and you end up with a 1 year med card.