Propranolol

[HelloThere]

Hi guys and gals,

I’ve recently passed my DMI with a TOC for a trainee train Driver position and my next step before a contract offer would be to undergo a medical. I’ve been taking 80mg of Propranolol daily for 4 years to treat slight hand tremors. As this is the only thing that I think might mess up application I researched the drug to find out one of the side effects when people first start taking it is tiredness. I have never had this side effect in the time I’ve taken it. My plan is to speak with my GP and to see if he can write a letter I can give to the doctors that do the medical explaining the situation.

My question is would this be acceptable and if not what should I be doing? I don’t want it to ruin my chance of becoming a train driver when I have never experienced tiredness.

 

[Smelliott]

From my experience, if you don't suffer from a possible side effect then you should be okay (virtually all medicine carries possibly problematic side-effects, after all). The important thing is you are absolutely honest about whatever medication you're on. I passed my medical no problem in similar circumstances.

 

[choochoochoo]

I was on very strong codeine for a long time. It has reported possible side effects of drowsiness. Occupational health said that as long as I didn’t experience them I’d be ok to continue driving.

 

[dk1]

I was on very strong codeine for a long time. It has reported possible side effects of drowsiness. Occupational health said that as long as I didn’t experience them I’d be ok to continue driving.

Codeine was picked up on a random drug screening a couple of years ago. Turned out it was through a pain killer (Veganin) and I was told I was no longer permitted to take it & drive trains.

 

[Horizon22]

As with any medication, make sure it is fully explained at a medical as only qualified medical professionals - through the company’s OH provider - can make this judgment.

 

[67016]

I was on propranolol for 10 years, 7 years of which I was safety critical as a signaller. They weren't concerned about the medication more about the condition I was taking it for (migraines). Medical had to be signed of by a railway doctor and I haad to report any issues to my manager but other than that there where no issues.

 

[HelloThere]

Thank you everyone for the help. I will wait for the medical and explain everything to the professionals.

 

[king_walnut]

I was on very strong codeine for a long time. It has reported possible side effects of drowsiness. Occupational health said that as long as I didn’t experience them I’d be ok to continue driving.

Codeine is straight off-track at my TOC .. I didn't think different TOCs would have different rules on things like this, especially opiates.

 

[43066]

Hi guys and gals,

I’ve recently passed my DMI with a TOC for a trainee train Driver position and my next step before a contract offer would be to undergo a medical. I’ve been taking 80mg of Propranolol daily for 4 years to treat slight hand tremors. As this is the only thing that I think might mess up application I researched the drug to find out one of the side effects when people first start taking it is tiredness. I have never had this side effect in the time I’ve taken it. My plan is to speak with my GP and to see if he can write a letter I can give to the doctors that do the medical explaining the situation.

My question is would this be acceptable and if not what should I be doing? I don’t want it to ruin my chance of becoming a train driver when I have never experienced tiredness.

You need to disclose it to the TOC and take guidance from occupational health.

Nobody on here will be able to advise whether any particular medication is acceptable or not, as much turns on how the individual reacts to it.

 

[choochoochoo]

Codeine is straight off-track at my TOC .. I didn't think different TOCs would have different rules on things like this, especially opiates.

Maybe the rules have changed since my illness. I was told by the Occupational Health Doctor, take the medication, check how you feel for the next 24 hours. If you have no drowsiness side effects then you can drive the day after the first 24 hours have elapsed.

 

[Efini92]

Codeine is straight off-track at my TOC .. I didn't think different TOCs would have different rules on things like this, especially opiates.

They mustn’t use medigold then. I’ve been in it and the standard response is “take it for 48 hours, if you’re not drowsy you’re ok”

 

[Smelliott]

They mustn’t use medigold then. I’ve been in it and the standard response is “take it for 48 hours, if you’re not drowsy you’re ok”

Same.

 

[tiptoptaff]

I think it depends. At my TOC, if it was a short term thing (recovering from something like a surgery or car accident) they'd say off trains until you're off it.

But if it was likely to be long-term for a chronic condition, OH would assess and allow the resumption of duties.

y mustn’t use medigold then. I’ve been in it and the standard response is “take it for 48 hours, if you’re not drowsy you’re ok”