Question
I just completed 4 weeks of classroom at TDA and I went to the DMV to get my learners permit and because of some medication I'm taking they told me I can't get one. I passed all the tests with flying colors. Talk about a major bummer. Has anyone had this problem? If so, how did you solve it or are you just out of luck. I think the reason behind it is because the original use of the medication is an anti-seizure and now it is being used for other things. Do they just have a list of meds that sends up an automatic red flag, too bad your out of luck, or what? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
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Answer
Sounds like you are on the anti-epileptic medication dilantin. This has been promoted for a number of unapproved uses. If you are on dilantin you don't belong behind the wheel of an eighteen wheeler. Period. Any physician that says otherwise should be up on charges before the state medical board. You can take a normal person and induce seizures in many ways, including watching television. People vary in the THRESHOLD at which seizures are induced. Dilantin has a problem in that in a rare number of cases failure to take dilantin will induce a seizure in a person with an otherwise clean seizure history who has started taking the drug. These "dilantin withdrawel" seizures are generally of the petit mal varient, which are the worst thing from a driving standpoint. You don't twitch, defecate and shudder. You merely completly lose your concentration and thought processes for three to thirty seconds. You have to be weaned off dilantin carefully and should not be driving anything, including a car under that medication.
Answer
ScubaDue, here's something to consider, my wife has had four Grand Mal seizures in her life, 3 about 26 years and the latest one about a month ago. 26 years ago they had her on dilantin and did wean her off it after about 8 years. Her latest seizure came very unexpectedly, no change in our lifestyle, virtually stress free, etc. Her neurologist has done every test he possibly can on her and there are no signs of any neurological diseases, just that "thresh hold" talked about. He has her on Depakote and has given her the ok to perform any and all tasks, including driving, without any danger of side effects. I don't know where the DOT stands on Depakote, but I do agree that seizures are very serious, especially for drivers, but to my knowledge Depakote all but eliminates the danger of re-occurence. Hope this helps.
Thom
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I'm not taking dilantin. I'm taking Depakote. I don't appreciate being jumped all over NEWYORKTWO before you knew what I was taking. No wonder people have bad attitudes toward truckers with attitudes like yours.
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The information given by NY2 is still valid, even if it does not apply in your particular case. Have you gotten the information you desire yet?
Monty
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Trucker, Not really. I was hoping to find out the process I have to go to with the appeal from the DMV or DOT (whoever is in charge). How long it usually takes. Stuff like that. Thanks for asking.
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Answer
Depakote is, as you know, sodium valproate and valproic acid. The mechanism of action is unknown. It causes sleepiness and decreased mental alertness. It does so in all doseages. The only question is how much sleepiness. You don't want to hear this but you should not be driving a truck under long term treatment with valproic acid. Since you brought it up I sent a letter today to the DOT recommending banning driving with a CDL while being treated by Depakote. I do not dislike you and apoloize profusely if I have offended you by my abruptness. My intent is surely not to make you feel bad. There is an answer. I reviewed over three dozen studies on this drug on MEDLINE and was not all happy with my answers. The medical standard for driving heavy trucks has to be higher than that used for civilians driving four wheelers. Get off the drugs and start treating your problems with diet and naturopathic means. Once again I am sorry I have hurt your feelings.
Answer
Scubadue,
When I read your first post, I too, immediately thought of Dilantin. So I understand how NY2 went into that explanation right away. Had you shared with us in your first post what medication you were on, you would have received info more accurate to your problem.
As NY2 stated, the medication you are on DOES cause varying degrees of sleepiness and decreased levels of alertness, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON FOR TAKING IT. This is why the DMV has turned you down.
Is it possible to speak with your physician, explain what you are trying to accomplish and see if he can recommend another treatment plan for you that will not interfere with your ability to pursue driving as a career? Please do not take yourself off of the medications or attempt to adjust your dosages. This must be done with the help of your physician. Ask him/her to explore alternative treatment plans, as NY 2 mentioned, and trial them for effectivemness before applying with the DMV again. Good luck to you in your endeavors. Please keep us posted on how things go for you.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at
Answer
If you are interested in dietary non-traditional treatment and are in the vicinity of Utah you might try:
Salt Lake City Naturopathic Clinic
345 E. 4500 South Suite H
Salt Lake City Utah 84105
801-265-0077