My doctor wants me to begin a smoking cessation program that includes a medicine to help stop smoking, is it okay to start the medicine and drive?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) does not include a list of prohibited medications.
The Agency relies on the certifying medical examiner to evaluate and determine whether an underlying medical condition, medication, or combination of medications and substances used by an individual driver will impair his or her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Medical Examiners may disqualify a driver who takes any medication or combination of medications and substances that may impair or interfere with safe driving practices. All medications must be assessed to determine the potential risk of adverse side effects, which include but are not limited to: dizziness, drowsiness, and sleepiness, and the direct impact the potential side effects have on CMV driving and operation safety.
The medical examiner may confer with the treating medical specialist(s) who is familiar with the driver’s health history. The final decision to certify the driver rests with the certifying medical examiner.
The certifying medical examiner may consider utilizing the optional medication form when communicating with the treating prescribing clinician.
Medication Form for optional/voluntary use by the Certified Medical Examiner.
For questions regarding our accredited NRCME training program or the NRCME certification process, call us at (941) 600-8411 9am-9pm EST 7/365.