Certain meds - an automatic no?

[Bayum]

Are there any meds in the handbook that are an absolute no to working on the railway? Is there a list available publicly?

 

[43066]

Are there any meds in the handbook that are an absolute no to working on the railway? Is there a list available publicly?

In a word, no, and certainly nothing publicly available.

There is a “yes” list, of meds which can be waved through almost immediately (everything has to be notified prior to taking).

Any medication not on this list (ie anything beyond mild painkillers/antibiotics) will require occupational health sign off, possibly requiring medical reports, possibly after a period of observation on the meds.

Clearly anything which causes drowsiness etc is going to be a no no for anything safety critical.

 

[skyhigh]

Are there any meds in the handbook that are an absolute no to working on the railway? Is there a list available publicly?

Are you talking about a specific role? Restrictions due to medication will vary dramatically between train crew, ticket office staff, onboard catering staff etc...

As @43066 says, unfortunately it's not a clear cut list even for safety critical staff. During an application, you'd have to disclose anything at the medical stage, which might result in you being deemed unsuitable for the role. Sadly the medical is normally the last stage in the process so it's a long way to go if you're unsure you'll be able to pass it!

 

[Horizon22]

There are not, and it also depends on whether you are safety critical or not. If you are in the railway, your Occupational Health team or Line Manager can advise and you should declare anything straight away either in the role or at a medical.

 

[RailLady]

Depends on the role and the medical requirements for it.

 

[Bayum]

Hmm. So what about medications that can cause drowsiness - tramadol, amitriptyline etc. I’d be interested in applying for a role as either a driver or guard/conductor/train manager but don’t know how far I’d get with this medication.

 

[dzdoris]

Hmm. So what about medications that can cause drowsiness - tramadol, amitriptyline etc. I’d be interested in applying for a role as either a driver or guard/conductor/train manager but don’t know how far I’d get with this medication.

I don't know about the other roles but I think common sense would tell you that you couldn't be a driver whilst taking drugs that cause drowsiness?

 

[Highlandspring]

Hmm. So what about medications that can cause drowsiness - tramadol, amitriptyline etc. I’d be interested in applying for a role as either a driver or guard/conductor/train manager but don’t know how far I’d get with this medication.

I know someone who is in a safety critical role who is prescribed Tramadol for a chronic medical condition, it has all been agreed with occupational health though it took a while to sort out.

 

[steve_wills]

Hmm. So what about medications that can cause drowsiness - tramadol, amitriptyline etc. I’d be interested in applying for a role as either a driver or guard/conductor/train manager but don’t know how far I’d get with this medication.

It would be upto the railway doctor to decide.

Best advice is to ask your GP. It will be them that the railway would contact.

Good Luck

 

[Applepie356]

What’s the view on antidepressants? Does that disqualify you from safety critical roles? The newer SSRI’s have much less side effects & most tend to disappear after a period of taking them.

 

[Horizon22]

Hmm. So what about medications that can cause drowsiness - tramadol, amitriptyline etc. I’d be interested in applying for a role as either a driver or guard/conductor/train manager but don’t know how far I’d get with this medication.

Drowsiness is certainly an issue - even stronger hayfever tablets can be a no for safety critical roles. However as said above, only normal someone from OH department will know the full ins and outs.

 

[Bayum]

So, for many people it's illogical for them to apply, particularly on the basis that they won't get answers of the suitability of their meds alongside a safety critical role until late in the process.

 

[Horizon22]

To be fair, many may not know the process and will be applying anyway. Things can (obviously not always) be arranged with OH and your personal doctor when you state that you are safety critical for alternative medications.

 

[steve_wills]

So, for many people it's illogical for them to apply, particularly on the basis that they won't get answers of the suitability of their meds alongside a safety critical role until late in the process.

No.

But the best person to speak to is your GP.

I dont know if there is a private medical service that you can pay for and check.

 

[Unknown2020]

Hi,
I have my medical tomorrow. I take strong antihistamines, I used to need them daily but had an operation and now only needs them every so often, fewer than 1 every 2/3 weeks just when my symptoms are bad. Do you think this would be a problem? I don’t get any drowsiness or side effects from them, but it is listed under the ‘possible side effect’ section. I am happy to not take them on a day I’m working.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Red Devil]

Hi,
I have my medical tomorrow. I take strong antihistamines, I used to need them daily but had an operation and now only needs them every so often, fewer than 1 every 2/3 weeks just when my symptoms are bad. Do you think this would be a problem? I don’t get any drowsiness or side effects from them, but it is listed under the ‘possible side effect’ section. I am happy to not take them on a day I’m working.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Just tell them on the day exactly what you've put here. You'll be fine.
I think people on here are petrified of not being offered or losing an invitation for employment if they declare medication. You won't be. But let me tell you this if you don't declare it and they find out at a later date,from God forbid you have an incident then you can kiss goodbye to working on the rail.

 

[Unknown2020]

Just tell them on the day exactly what you've put here. You'll be fine.
I think people on here are petrified of not being offered or losing an invitation for employment if they declare medication. You won't be. But let me tell you this if you don't declare it and they find out at a later date,from God forbid you have an incident then you can kiss goodbye to working on the rail.

Thank you so much for your reply.
Its been such a long process getting through my assessments and interviews and being in the talent pool for 18 months, I was really worried about this stopping me!
I have already declared it on my pre-medical questionnaire, il make sure I explain in more detail too.
Thank you again.

 

[Gs1]

Alot of medications do list may cause drowsiness as a possible side effect, including some pain killers. What if you have been prescribed something but no longer take it. Would you have to declare it? Don't they just check with your gp what medication you are on anyway, or is that a confidentiality issue?

 

[43066]

Alot of medications do list may cause drowsiness as a possible side effect, including some pain killers. What if you have been prescribed something but no longer take it. Would you have to declare it? Don't they just check with your gp what medication you are on anyway, or is that a confidentiality issue?

If you don’t take a medication there’s no need to declare it, however you would still be expected to declare the condition that gave rise to them being prescribed, assuming you still suffered from it.

They don’t check with your GP as a matter of course, however they might need reports from specialist doctors regarding more complex conditions and/or medication you are prescribed for these.

 

[RailLady]

Rssb standards state something along that medication should not affect your ability to perform safety critical duties.

Nobody is qualified on this rail forum to give you any advice and medical guidance regarding how your medication will impact the job you’re applying for. (Unless there are some secret qualified doctors who understand the rssb medical requirements, roaming the forums).

at the end of the day, the medical which is done with a qualified medical clinician will be the only thing that can determine if your are fit for role, fit for role with adjustments, temporarily unfit for role or unfit for role.

you as a potential employee (or current) have a duty of care for yourself , the company and the 100’s of people you could be in contact with, to ensure you state everything regarding your medical history, including what medication you’re on. Then can the clinician sign you off correctly and if necessary to the role, provide advice on guidance if there is the possibilith for (reasonable) adjustments to me made by the employer.

As much as everyone is trying to be helpful, you’re best attending the medical to get the answers you’re looking for.

 

[Floo1977]

What’s the view on antidepressants? Does that disqualify you from safety critical roles? The newer SSRI’s have much less side effects & most tend to disappear after a period of taking them.

Not in the slightest, they take it on a case by case basis. I had a medical for trainee driver a month ago and passed even tho im taking citalopram. I took a letter from my doctor stating that i am suffering no side effects etc... occy health were amazing.

 

[Aictos]

What’s the view on antidepressants? Does that disqualify you from safety critical roles? The newer SSRI’s have much less side effects & most tend to disappear after a period of taking them.

Simple answer is it depends on the circumstances, if you're a dispatcher for example and you're having suicidal thoughts at work then the company should put into place steps to reduce the risk.

Having to be prescribed them shouldn't disqualify you from said role provided of course your company is aware and there's a programme in place to manage your health, it may be you're placed on sick leave circa period of time or placed on other duties such as admin etc