Medications play a vital role in maintaining public health and safety. However, certain medications can impair a person's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established guidelines for evaluating the medical fitness of CMV drivers, which includes a list of disqualifying medications.
Why are certain medications disqualifying?
The FMCSA's primary concern is to ensure that CMV drivers are not taking medications that could impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Certain medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that could increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, some medications may have negative interactions with other medications or exacerbate underlying medical conditions.
What is the DOT disqualifying medications list 2024?
The FMCSA regularly updates its list of disqualifying medications to reflect changes in medical knowledge and the introduction of new medications. The following is a list of medications that are currently considered disqualifying for CMV drivers:
Classes of disqualifying medications
The following classes of medications are generally considered disqualifying for CMV drivers:
- Sedatives and hypnotics: Medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.
- Narcotics: Medications that can cause drowsiness or impairment, such as opioids and codeine.
- Stimulants: Medications that can cause anxiety, agitation, or other side effects that could impair driving ability, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate.
- Muscle relaxants: Medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, such as cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol.
- Antihistamines: Medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine.
Examples of disqualifying medications
The following are some examples of medications that are considered disqualifying for CMV drivers:
- Benzodiazepines:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Opioids:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Stimulants:
- Amphetamine (Adderall)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Muscle relaxants:
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Antihistamines:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
What are the consequences of taking disqualifying medications?
If a CMV driver is found to be taking a disqualifying medication, they may be subject to the following consequences:
- Disqualification: The driver may be disqualified from operating a CMV until they can provide medical documentation that they are no longer taking the disqualifying medication.
- Loss of CDL: The driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) may be suspended or revoked if they are found to be taking a disqualifying medication.
- Employment consequences: The driver may face employment consequences, including termination, if they are found to be taking a disqualifying medication.
What can CMV drivers do to ensure they are not taking disqualifying medications?
CMV drivers can take the following steps to ensure they are not taking disqualifying medications:
- Consult with a medical professional: Drivers should consult with a medical professional before taking any new medications.
- Check the FMCSA's list of disqualifying medications: Drivers should regularly check the FMCSA's list of disqualifying medications to ensure they are not taking any medications that could impair their ability to operate a CMV safely.
- Report medications to their employer: Drivers should report any medications they are taking to their employer, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Gallery of Medications
What are disqualifying medications?
+Disqualifying medications are medications that can impair a person's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.
What classes of medications are generally considered disqualifying?
+The following classes of medications are generally considered disqualifying: sedatives and hypnotics, narcotics, stimulants, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines.
What are the consequences of taking disqualifying medications?
+If a CMV driver is found to be taking a disqualifying medication, they may be subject to disqualification, loss of CDL, and employment consequences.