Is lithium considered a psychotropic drug?

I was told by my employer that I would be let go if I was taking psychotropics because of federal law that prohibits Truck drivers from using them. Since I would become homeless immediately I can't take the chance of getting the help I think I need

Answers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotropic
This entry should clarify for you what he meant. Lithium is included in the spectrum, but also included are cigarettes and coffee, so it's a good idea to do a little bit of independent research into the parameters of law.

If he was referencing a federal law, the US Department of Transportation says: "The drugs for which tests are required under this part and DOT agency regulations are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opiates."

Here's the Department of Transportation web site link:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.asp?section_type=D

You could test the waters by taking one of your supervisors aside and saying that something heavy is happening in your life, so your doctor "asked if you would be interested in taking an anti-depressant," and you don't know if you should (if it's not allowed, divulging that you're looking into a mood stabilizer just now may be a really bad idea). That should open up the channels of communication well enough that you can determine whether Lithium is allowed.

Ask your doc. There are other meds you may be able to switch to.
I don't think so.
If you need a psychotropic drug, you can't afford the chance of NOT getting the help you need.
no, I don't believe it is, and also, it's illegal for them to fire you for taking medications needed to help you live a normal life. I'd check with a lawyer to see if there's truth to that, and if there is, they still can't fire you, just put you in a new position.
Check the CDL regs. If you need this medication, you better get it.

As far as firing you, they only need to make reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Asking to drive in violation of CDL regs is not reasonable, it is unreasonable and illegal. If there are other jobs available in the company that you can do while on Lithium, they should try to accommodate you there.
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