Virginia Drivers on Medication: A Side Effect Could Be a Car Crash
Does medication affect your driving?
People take over-the-counter and prescription drugs to feel better and, if not to heal, at least to alleviate the pain or discomfort. The problem with driving is that most of these drugs have side effects that can be harmful or treacherous depending on:
The dosage taken;
The type of medication;
The combination with other drugs and alcohol;
The health and strength of the patient.
Are drivers impaired by some drugs more than others?
Certain types of medication stand out because they have stronger side effects:
Over-the-counter drugs: Such drugs as cough and cold pills, decongestants, pain relievers, diuretics, and pills to prevent nausea or motion sickness can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slower reflexes.
Tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping pills: These slow down the central nervous system and cause drowsiness, diminished reaction time, and reduced ability to concentrate.
Common prescription drugs: These often treat allergies, cholesterol, ulcers, depression, pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, or insomnia and can cause drowsiness or affect vision, reaction time, and coordination.
Valium: A 10 mg. dose may cause greater impairment than a blood alcohol content of 0.1 percent (above the legal limit).
Antihistamines: Taken to combat allergies, this type of medication slows down reaction time and impairs coordination.
Sedating antidepressants: They can have the same effect as being drunk.
Stimulating drugs: Certain types can make you feel alert and confident. This can be a serious problem if you become a reckless driver as a result.
What should people on medication do-heal or drive?
As mentioned, the probability of being impaired behind the wheel increases dramatically if you are weak and take various strong drugs that do not combine well. The point is to become aware of the problem caused by drugs and to follow a few common sense guidelines:
Talk to your physician about the dosage and combination of drugs you take.
Give your body time to adjust before you drive, and do not take pills right before driving.
Read the medication guide description of side effects.
