MedicationUnited States

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285. Medication

Medication can affect driving ability even when it is legally prescribed or available without a prescription. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, reduced concentration, slower reactions or impaired coordination and judgement. Drivers should read the patient information leaflet, follow the prescribed dose and ask a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether it is safe to drive. Extra care is needed when starting a new medicine, changing the dose or combining several medicines or medication with alcohol.

Medication
Image used in a U.S. Air Force campaign about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving. (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Areca T. Bell • CC0
Can medication affect driving?

Yes. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions or reduced concentration, which can make driving unsafe.

Can prescription medicine make you unsafe to drive?

Yes. A medicine can be legally prescribed and still impair your ability to drive safely. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist and patient information leaflet.

Can over-the-counter medicine affect driving?

Yes. Medicines available without a prescription can also affect driving. Some antihistamines, cough medicines and other common products may cause drowsiness or other side effects.

Where can you check whether a medicine affects driving?

Read the patient information leaflet, especially the section about driving and using machines, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Should you drive when taking a medicine for the first time?

Be especially cautious when starting a new medicine or changing the dose, because you may not yet know how it affects your alertness, coordination or judgement.

Can alcohol increase the effects of medication?

Yes. Alcohol can interact with some medicines and increase drowsiness, dizziness or other impairing effects. Follow the medicine instructions and professional medical advice.

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