Is There Any New Laws About Hydrocodone 5mg And Driving A Bus (Top voted first)

The DOT physical Doctor would not approve my physical because I was being prescribed Hydrocodone 5 mg. I had to get a statement from my regular Dr. saying I would not be prescribed that medicine any more. I was taking the medicine for reumetoid arthuritis. Does anyone know anything about this new law?

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Not sure if you drive a city bus, school bus etc... or if it even matters. I drove a school bus for 14 years and during that time frame I'd had 8 out of 13 surgeries, in which the last two was on my back, lumbar region. After the first back surgery I was put on 5mg oxycodone for break through pain and MS Contin, Dilaudid and a few others trying to find what helped the best for relief. I also was required to get a yearly physical and random drug / alcohol evaluation throughout the school year. When I was started on the opiates I was out for the summer so had time to get use to all effects & any side effects of medications. When time came to start driving and physical before school started back again, I talked with my boss and let him know all meds I was taking and assured him I feel nothing from my meds drowsy, dizziness and so on. I was to bring back a note from the prescribing doctor stating what I had told my boss. My doctor that had been monitoring me and my meds wrote a detailed note and added it was safe for me to continue driving a school bus. I gave my boss a copy to keep in my file for insurance and any drug panels I may take. When going for my physical I also took that physician a copy and passed to continue driving. If your medication doesn't make you feel such a way causing you to be unsafe driving I'd think you should be able to do the same as well and the DOT doctor not have a problem as your letter from your prescribing doctor stating you can safely drive a bus relieves the DOT doctor from being responsible in case anything was to happen. Not sure if it's different between states or not but I'm in Virginia. Good luck to you.

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Keep in mind, DOT physicals are "supposed" to be just that. For diagnosis and treatment you and I see our personal physician. You're not there to be judged or diagnosed. Find a more educated DOT Dr. There has been no changes to law regarding the Prescribed Use of narcotics for pain control. Medical Literature states no correlation between drivers who are prescribed pain meds and an increase in accidents compared to drivers who don't. My opinion the best thing to do is find a Pain Management clinic and they can provide you with a letter that addresses the treatment. Have been an OTR driver for 40yrs. Been treated for chronic pain for 15yrs. I understand your concern. In reality, there is no difference in being treated for blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, and hundreds of other issues. Just another example of an uneducated PA or NP over stepping their responsibility.

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There can sometimes be concerns about how a medication such as this might affect you, while driving, or operating heavy machinery, since the FDA does warn that it may cause side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and a high like feeling. It also carries the risk of being habit forming.

Depending on what state you are in, DOT regulations can vary and they are allowed to fail you, based upon those regulations.

What state are you in Thomas? Can you please post back and clarify?

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