Train Driver Drug & Alcohol Test

[Ronnie180]

Sitting in a pool awaiting a start date with Thames-link.

Is heart medication tested for in the drugs test. ?

 

[Ducatist4]

You need to declare any meds you are taking prior to the test (at your medical).

 

[Newapplicant]

I suspect that if it's a drugs test then they will be looking for illegal substances and not medication.

 

[skyhigh]

I suspect that if it's a drugs test then they will be looking for illegal substances and not medication.

You declare all medication in the medical, no matter what they are.

 

[Jaytrains]

Some medication can trigger a false positive reading so its best to declare whatever medication your on even stuff like creatine/bcaa amino acids for those that use it for gym purposes.

 

[YingYing]

Cannot stress enough that you need to declare all medication you take. They will ask before you do the test. As above anything might give false positives, and it's important that they know what you've had so they can discount any false positive that comes up.

 

[skyhigh]

Cannot stress enough that you need to declare all medication you take. They will ask before you do the test. As above anything might give false positives, and it's important that they know what you've had so they can discount any false positive that comes up.

And conversely, if you don't declare any medications and then they find something - and only then you say "well actually I'm taking..." your application will probably be binned off, even if you've passed everything up to that point. Don't risk it.

 

[TheGoldfish]

They will prob tell you to bring any meds you’re taking with you when you attend the medical.

 

[Ronnie180]

You need to declare any meds you are taking prior to the test (at your medical).

Are there any medications which stop you becoming a driver ? I’ve been taking Bisroprolol 1.25mg a day for 6 months now. To reduce blood pressure. Any drivers currently on this medication. I’d be distraught not being able to start my dream occupation. Because of this. Looking for someone to put my mind at ease.

 

[Ex-controller]

They will prob tell you to bring any meds you’re taking with you when you attend the medical.

I did a similar medical recently (not driver but covers Personal Track Safety) and was asked to provide examples of all medication being taken.

 

[Ronnie180]

I did a similar medical recently (not driver but covers Personal Track Safety) and was asked to provide examples of all medication being taken.

Thank you. It’s just if mine is banned there may be an alternative that I can take. But guess I won’t know until the medical. Hoping there are some drivers /trainees on the medication I’m taking

 

[Ex-controller]

Thank you. It’s just if mine is banned there may be an alternative that I can take. But guess I won’t know until the medical. Hoping there are some drivers /trainees on the medication I’m taking

Someone else may know better but I think the main thing is ensuring it’s non drowsy.

 

[Ronnie180]

Someone else may know better but I think the main thing is ensuring it’s non drowsy.

Drowsy is in the side effects. Then again pretty sure paracetamol state drowsiness in their side effect pamphlet But I have had no side effects whatsoever.

 

[skyhigh]

Thank you. It’s just if mine is banned there may be an alternative that I can take. But guess I won’t know until the medical. Hoping there are some drivers /trainees on the medication I’m taking

They will generally have a list of medications that are fine, and a list that requires further consultation i.e. request a report from the prescribing doctor, see how long you've been on it etc... But nobody here is a medical professional, and a lot of things are done on a personal basis so what happened for someone else might not apply to you.

The main thing to remember is that you've done well and have met the standard they require - they want you to pass the medical. Be open and honest is the best advice, don't try and cover anything up.

 

[Ashley Hill]

You must always declare any medication before a medical or when it is prescribed to you. If you are worried then tell your own doctor that you are in (or applying) for a safety critical role. They might be able to change any existing medication for one that is compliant.

 

[Horizon22]

Are there any medications which stop you becoming a driver ? I’ve been taking Bisroprolol 1.25mg a day for 6 months now. To reduce blood pressure. Any drivers currently on this medication. I’d be distraught not being able to start my dream occupation. Because of this. Looking for someone to put my mind at ease.

Nobody here is an occupational health expert, so the advice is (as always) declare everything beforehand and they can advise at the medical further. It might be that after your medical, discussions follow about changing medications etc in association with your GP.