Caution When Taking Medicine and Driving

Medicine That Can Cause a Car Accident

Medicine That Can Cause a Car Accident

Some medicine can have side effects that can cause drowsiness or confusion, both of which can lead to auto accidents. Some medicines used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety may also increase the risk of car accidents if not taken as directed. Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with the side effects peculiar to medications, however, your doctor should tell you about them when they are prescribed. One way to ensure that you are aware of a medicine dangerous side effects is to ask for information (usually in a printout). These can be obtained from your doctor or your pharmacist. 

Why Some Medicines Affect Your Ability to Drive

  • Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, can cause drowsiness or confusion. Although these drugs are taken the night before and most assume they will wear off by morning, having a “hangover” may be possible. Use a ride service or go to work with another employee if this happens to you.
  • Antipsychotics such as Thorazine increase the risk of car accidents if not taken correctly. Even so, it is always best to see what side effects the drug causes before handling a motor vehicle. 
  • Antidepressants such as Elavil can cause sleepiness. Unfortunately, the onset of this side effect is not the same in everyone, so it is best to see how you tolerate it before driving.
  • Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be alert for these side effects. See how you react to them. Not everyone has this reaction.
  • Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines (Benadryl) and sleep aids (Sominex) can lead to dangerous driving conditions when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Be aware of this problem, and don’t drink when you are using them.
  • Alcohol in combination with medicine can significantly impair driving performance. Many other medicines other than the ones listed here interact to some measure with alcohol. Read the label or obtain a fact sheet from the pharmacy before using them.

What Should You Do If a Medication Causes Problems When You Are Driving?

Some medicines can have side effects that can cause drowsiness or confusion, both of which can lead to auto accidents. Other medicines used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety may also increase the risk of car accidents if not taken as directed. Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with the side effects peculiar to medications, however, your doctor should tell you about them when they are prescribed. One way to ensure that you are aware of dangerous side effects is to ask for information (usually in a printout). These can be obtained from your doctor or your pharmacist. 

Why Some Medicine Affects Your Ability to Drive

  • Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, can cause drowsiness or confusion. Although these drugs are taken the night before and most assume they will wear off by morning, having a “hangover” may be possible. Use a ride service or go to work with another employee if this happens to you.
  • Antipsychotics such as Thorazine increase the risk of car accidents if not taken correctly. Even so, it is always best to see what side effects the drug causes before handling a motor vehicle. 
  • Antidepressants such as Elavil can cause sleepiness. Unfortunately, the onset of this side effect is not the same in everyone, so it is best to see how you tolerate it before driving.
  • Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be alert for these side effects. See how you react to them. Not everyone has this reaction.
  • Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines (Benadryl) and sleep aids (Sominex) can lead to dangerous driving conditions when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Be aware of this problem, and don’t drink when you are using them.
  • Alcohol in combination with medication can significantly impair driving performance. Many other medicines other than the ones listed here interact to some measure with alcohol. Read the label or obtain a fact sheet from the pharmacy before using them.

What Should You Do If Medicine Causes Problems When You Are Driving?

If you encounter any side effects from your medication that make it difficult for you to drive safely, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication or dosage which may be more suitable for you. Likewise, if you are actively driving when the side effect hits, it is best to pull over to the side of the road out of harm’s way and give your health professional a call. If you cannot reach them, you might try locking the doors and taking a nap. In other situations, the side effect may be more intensive, and you might need to call 911. 

Travis Law Firm

If you are in an accident, you may need the assistance of an attorney. The knowledgeable lawyers at Travis Law Firm are always available to meet you in a no-cost case review. We can answer your questions and go over your options moving forward. Just call us at (814) 277-2222, or reach out to us online