What No One Tells you About Driving and Prescription Drugs
It’s common knowledge that driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is against the law and poses a safety concern, but did you know that certain legal, prescription or over-the-counter medications may also make it illegal to drive? Driving is a complex skill which requires a combination of physical and mental awareness and it is important to understand if and how our medication may have an effect on these abilities. Click here to read about Alcohol and Medicine In the UK, it is against the law to drive if the legal drugs in your body impair your driving abilities. The police can stop drivers if they suspect a problem and can then perform tests to see the amount of drugs in the body. Of course, most problems arise when a driver is on illegal drugs but there can be problems with taking medications such as Valium or morphine. Often, patients can drive while on these prescription drugs if it’s not going to affect how they drive, but it’s always important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist and only take the amount prescribed. What types of medications pose a problem when driving? The whitesands rehabs points out that there are many drugs with side effects that can cause sleepiness, addiction, dizziness, nausea, inability to focus, blurry vision or fainting. Such drugs can be used to treat conditions such as allergies, depression, high blood pressure, cholesterol conditions, pain and more. Always consult with your health practitioner or pharmacist after being prescribed a drug or before taking an over the counter drug to clarify the dose and any potential side effects. You may not always be aware of the effect the drugs are having on you but in many cases the doctor can adjust your medication accordingly to minimize the negative impact. Other drugs that may pose a problem include:- amphetamine, eg dexamphetamine or selegiline
- clonazepam
- diazepam
- flunitrazepam
- lorazepam
- methadone
- morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, eg codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
- oxazepam
- temazepam