CDME Module 9: Scheduled Drug Use and Alcoholism (2025)-Schedule II Medications and Stimulants . Opinions of the Medical Expert Panel regarding Commercial Driver Performance and Crash Risk. 2014

Schedule II Medications and Stimulants . Opinions of the Medical Expert Panel regarding Commercial Driver Performance and Crash Risk. 2014

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The report titled "Schedule II Opioids and Stimulants: Opinions of the Medical Expert Panel regarding Commercial Driver Performance and Crash Risk" was presented to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and involved a systematic review by Acclaro Research Solutions, Inc. to analyze the effects of prescribed schedule II opioids and stimulants on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The Medical Expert Panel consisted of five experts who evaluated the research findings and offered their opinions on the risks associated with these medications.<br /><br />**Opioids:**<br />The panel concurred that the use of prescribed opioids is linked to a moderate increased risk of fatal and injury-related accidents due to potential impairment of driving abilities. Such risks may rise with higher dosages and the potential development of dependence due to chronic use. The evidence is insufficient to determine precise impairment levels from hypothetical scenarios typical for CMV drivers.<br /><br />**Stimulants:**<br />When evaluating stimulants, the panel noted that while stimulant use for ADHD can decrease crash risks by improving focus during therapeutic use, these drugs can be highly addictive, and non-monitored uses pose substantial risks. The positive effects are time-bound to when the medication is effective, raising concerns about periods when medication effects wane.<br /><br />The panel highlighted several areas where current research is weak, particularly regarding drug-drug interactions and effects measurable by serum levels. They urged for additional research into various medications and their impact on CMV driver safety, particularly focusing on common medications like benzodiazepines and non-Schedule II stimulants.<br /><br />Overall, the Medical Expert Panel emphasized that CMV drivers face unique challenges that heighten the risks posed by opioid and stimulant medications, necessitating further investigation into these medications to optimize safety protocols and policies for CMV drivers.

Keywords

Schedule II opioids

stimulants

commercial driver performance

crash risk

FMCSA

Medical Expert Panel

opioid impairment

stimulant addiction

CMV driver safety

drug interactions