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...Are there any meds in the handbook that are an absolute no to working on the railway? Is there a list available publicly?
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?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.
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.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.
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.
No.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.
Just tell them on the day exactly what you've put here. You'll be fine.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
Thank you so much for your reply.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.
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?
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.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.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.