Question
I was let go by a company because i am taking Celexa 20 mg per day. My information tells me differant people react differantly to this drug and wait to see if it cxauses you problems before you operate heavy machinery or automobiles. I,ve been taking it for almost 4 years and it does not make me drowsy. They have a blanket policy about this drug and others. What can i do and what do you know about Celexa and driving.
Answer
That can cause you to be drowsy is a concern to the company. You could have you physician write a statement indicating that he/she is aware of your job responsibilities and that in his/her opinion you can safely drive a CMV.
Take this letter to the company. If they still refuse try the Resolution of CXonflict Route. You can find the details on that on our web page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Resolution of Conflict.
Let us know how it goes.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
Nurse Red,
Do you really belive what you say or have you completely sold your soul to make a buck??
He was let go because Celexa is used to treat depression. He is being discriminated against because he has an (easily managed) disability. His possible, albeit improbable tendancy towards drowsiness has NOTHING to do with his discharge, and so called "professionals" such as youself and the "business" you represent do nothing but perpetuate this myth that persons with a mental disability cannot function in society.
If you and your business partner doctor had ANY morals or professional credibility you would flat out REFUSE to do ANY business with a company that practices discrimination such as this. Yes, I know that this individual is not your client, but we have had this discussion in the past and your position is quite clear (firmly on the side of the party holding the check).
We all anxiously await your indignant response, or the outright deletion of this reply. We also can't wait to read the synchophants who will chime in about what a wonderful service you provide.
As long as the medical profession allows this kind of behavior in the name of profit, there will be no improvement in the acceptance of persons with depression in society.
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html
"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
Hermann Goering
Answer
Look, a company has a right to accept certain conditions and not accept others as long as the drivers meet the MINIMUM standards as set forth in the regs. If they are violating any regulations or the ADA rules, there are ways to fight that which I have pointed out and offered advice on.
A driver with a bad back may be turned down by a moving company and be welcomed by a tanker company. It all depends on the needs of the company, what is being hauled, and what their insurance company allows also.
Just where, in that post did you see anything about my office or any other medical professional disqualifying this driver?????
He indicated he was working and driving and let go because of the medication. The company has their own policy. The company let him go, no one else was involved in that.
I offered him a place to start researching how to retain his job. What was it you wanted me to say????
Jeezzzz, who peed in your Wheaties this morning????????
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
As of Dec. 4th I have been reinstated with my employer and am cleared to drive. I sent them a letter from my Dr. stating that I have been taking this medication since 2000 and do not have any side effects from it. I also sent them a couple info sheets on celexa from a couple different web sites. Thanks for your time.
Answer
What ya got to say now Ron? HMMMMM???
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
If there ever is, was, has been, or will be, a reason NOT to report what Medicine you are using to your Employer, Dirty Old Man's experience just screams at you. Nurse Red, I have a lot of respect for you & you have been helpful to me in the past. That said, we will never be on the same wavelength on this subject. I will never inform my employer, or a Doctor performing a DOT Physical what Medicine I am taking.If I believed I could receieve a fair, reasonable & impartial decision from the company & it's Doctors I would be happy to comply with the Law. Based on Dirty Old Man's experience I wouldn't tell them the time of day much less what drugs I am using. Am I in violation of the Law? Let me answer that for you. Yes, I am breaking the Law. I also break the law when I drive 56 mph in a 55 mph zone. I have been known to forget to use my turn signal on ocassion. Another violation of the Law. I would go on but I believe my position on this subject of discussion leaves no doubt in ones mind. Hope you & your Family have a safe & joyful Holiday.
Answer
That is certainly your choice. However, Dirty Ol Man's company DID reinstate him, they could very well have refused to on the grounds that he was dishonest when having his physical done.
And it would not have been discrimination, but in your case you would scream from the rooftops that it was.
Sorry, but you do not have the medical background to know which diagnosis, medications, or lack of medications can and will cause problems for a driver.
Let's say a driver is on a medication that keeps his condition well in hand and he has no problems driving or performing any aspect of his job. But let's say he runs out of this med while on the road. Did you know that many meds can cause severe, even life threatening, problems when they are suddenly stopped???? But this driver CAN'T tell dispatch he needs to get home to get his meds refilled. WHY? Because he never told the company he was taking any!!!!
I'm sorry Phil, but most companies will take a driver in these situations if the rules are followed and everything else checks out like driving record, and background checks. And provided that the medication or condition is not one that puts the company at risk (see me examples above).
I do know that a company will use the "medically unfit" excuse NOT to hire a driver when they are actually concerned about some other issue that they really don't want to address. But they do that at the company, not thru the physician's office. At least not in my experience.
I know there are some companies that have their own in-house medical people, such as Werner. Now, they dictate to the physician how they want things done.
And UPS has a third party administrator that dictates to all their medical providers what guidelines the company wants followed.
If a driver does not pass the guidelines for one of these companies, it does NOT mean they will be considered unqualified for another company.
The Medical Certification guidelines are set as MINIMUMS. A company can set their guidelines higher if they chose to. Especially some of those that specialize.
Anyone who feels they are unjustly let go because of a medical concern has the 'Resolution of Conflict' procedures to protect them. But again, it's a matter of following the rules. Don't expect it to get your job back if you have been let go because you were dishonest during your physical.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
IMHO,
Medical certification for drivers should be handled the same way as it is for pilots.
You take the exam, you disclose the history and meds and you get a yes or no. If you get a yes, an employer can't use the "medically unqualified" route to deny you a position.
The medical screening process was developed to provide safety to the motoring public, not a safety valve to allow employers to discriminate against minimally impaired individuals who pose minimal to no risk to other motorists.
A good rule that I would propose is that if this individual passes the physical, and would qualify for a job in a plant, then there is no reason for him to be disqualified to drive.
Soon we will be rid of the current Republican administration and this nonsense can start to be addressed.
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html
"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
Hermann Goering