DOT physical and prior use of prescription medications

I have a history of depression. 15 years ago I was prescribed antidepressants for the first time, I took them for a few months, and then stopped on my own accord and stopped going to the doctor without informing them. Five years ago I did the same thing, with a different doctor.

My question is, if I disclose this to the DOT examiner, will they require documentation from a psychiatrist stating that I no longer need the medication? In other words, since technically I stopped taking the medication without my doctor's approval (because I just stopped going in) will I have to go to a doctor to get an evaluation and a statement saying I am no longer depressed/no longer need medicine?

My other question is, can they somehow search my medical history to find out that I was prescribed this medication? Meaning if I check "no" on question 14 (have you had a history of depression) could they be like "well I see here that you've been prescribed SSRI's in the past so what's that about?" I don't think they can do this, but I saw a comment on this forum from someone who said there's a big database they can punch my SSN into and see everything I've ever been on. Is that true?

I've never been on any medications that are on the no-fly list. My concern is only that I do not want to go through the process of getting (and paying for) an evaluation, but I also don't want to get caught "hiding" something.


Edit: One more question: Is this whole DOT exam process before or after I sign the dotted line to start a company sponsored CDL program? Would hate to get rejected by medical and then be on the hook for $6,000 or whatever the tuition costs.

 

I thought that would be best too, but I worry they can pull my records and find out otherwise. Were you still taking the medication at the time? That probably makes a difference. I am not and have not taken them in years.

 

If these databases are run by each individual state, then I assume that means a DOT examiner in, say, Wisonsin would only have access to Wisconsin's database, correct? My prescriptions were not filled in the same state where I will be taking the exam.

I totally understand and this is indeed not something to take lightly. But, I have been thinking about it for a while and I am confident that OTR trucking would be a good fit for me. I have no close family or friends, no spouse/kids etc. I've even spent extended periods of time living outdoors 24/7 and traveling the country living out of a backpack. So when it comes to things like not having the amenities of home, I am totally comfortable making due with what I have.