You will be aware of the dangers of drink or drug driving, but do you realise that certain prescription medications can be just as impairing behind the wheel?
If you take medication regularly, it is important to understand how it might affect your ability to drive safely. This article discusses how common types of medication may impair your performance behind the wheel.
Medications that can impair your driving
Opioid painkillers
Strong analgesics such as morphine, codeine, tramadol, and fentanyl are commonly prescribed for pain management. They can significantly impair concentration and slow reaction times. Even at prescribed doses, these drugs can make driving genuinely dangerous.
Benzodiazepines and tranquilisers
These medications are used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and severe insomnia and include diazepam and temazepam. Benzodiazepines and tranquilisers affect attention and coordination significantly – behind the wheel, this could potentially lead to a serious error of judgement.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are primarily used to treat mental health conditions and disorders. Certain antidepressants can cause cognitive or psychomotor impairment, and this has implications for driving ability. The effects – which will vary according ot the type of antidepressant and the individual – may be particularly pronounced during the early stages of treatment or following a change in dosage.
Muscle relaxants
These are drugs prescribed to treat muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain. Muscle relaxants can produce sleepiness and reduce coordination. This drowsiness can be dangerous, directly impacting your ability to control a vehicle safely.
Stimulants
Medications such as amphetamines or methylphenidate are often prescribed for ADHD. They can cause over-alertness, nervousness, or aggressive driving behaviour.
Antihistamines
While they are typically dispensed over the counter, rather than being a prescription drug, antihistamines can induce drowsiness and blurred vision. These effects are a concern for drivers, especially over long distances.
Other medications
The medications we have included in this article are not intended to be a comprehensive list of every prescription drug that may affect your driving. Consult the DVLA for information on all medications with strict legal limits.
If you want to read more expert guidance from totting up solicitors, our blog article covers whether taking prescription medication can result in you being charged with drug driving.