Can you drive on prescription drugs?

Legally, driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely is prohibited, regardless of whether the substance is legal, prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal. The implications of driving while on prescription medication can vary significantly based on the specific medication, the dosage, and the individual’s response to the drug.

Prescription drugs can have a range of side effects that might impair driving ability. These effects can significantly impact critical driving skills, such as judgement, coordination, and reaction times. Certain substances, like alcohol and marijuana, are well known for their impairing effects. However, prescription and over-the-counter medications can also impair driving, sometimes even the next day after taking them.

Ultimately, the responsibility to drive safely while on prescription medication rests with the individual. This includes being informed about the potential impairing effects of their medications, closely monitoring their response to these substances, and refraining from driving if the impairment is suspected. The overarching message from authorities is clear: if a medication affects your ability to drive safely, you should not be behind the wheel.

Effects of prescription drugs on driving ability

Prescription drugs can significantly affect driving ability through various side effects. These side effects can be:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Slowed movement
• Fainting
• Inability to focus
• Nausea

Specific types of medications known to impair driving ability include antidepressants, opioids, sleep aids, and even common over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines. These drugs can cause blurred vision, which directly impacts a driver’s ability to perceive road conditions accurately. For example, Z-drugs, a class of non-benzodiazepine depressants prescribed for sleep disorders, are notorious for causing severe sedation and have been found in drivers arrested for drug-impaired driving due to their substantial sedative effects.

Prescription CNS depressants, used to treat conditions like epilepsy, seizures, and severe migraines, can lead to heavy muscles, lack of coordination, and slowed respiration, further complicating the ability to drive. Conversely, CNS stimulants prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy can initially improve alertness but, at higher doses, may lead to dangerous risk-taking behaviours or loss of focus, underscoring the complex relationship between prescription drugs and driving performance.

Legal regulations in the UK

In the UK, the legal regulations surrounding driving under the influence of prescription drugs are very strict, with specific blood concentration limits set for various substances. The laws aim to ensure that individuals who are unfit to drive due to the influence of drugs – whether prescription or illegal – are identified and penalised accordingly.

As of 2 March 2015, the UK introduced new regulations to manage drug driving more effectively, distinguishing between illegal drugs, prescription medications, and substances like amphetamine that have both medical uses and potential for abuse. For illegal drugs, a zero-tolerance approach has been adopted, setting very low threshold limits to rule out claims of accidental exposure. For prescription drugs, the approach is based on road safety risk, with higher threshold limits reflective of medical usage but still considering the potential impairment to driving abilities.

The Department for Transport lists specific blood concentration limits for several prescription drugs, including, but not limited to, clonazepam (50µg/L), diazepam (550µg/L), and morphine (80µg/L). Individuals found driving with concentrations above these specified limits in their blood could face charges, regardless of whether their driving was impaired. However, a “medical defence” is available if the medication was prescribed and is being taken as advised without impairing the driver’s ability.

Penalties for drug driving are severe, including a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record. The conviction remains on the driver’s licence for 11 years, significantly affecting car insurance costs and potentially impacting employment if driving is part of the job requirements.

Drivers taking prescription medication are advised to continue their treatment as prescribed but to be mindful of how their medicine may affect their driving ability. It’s crucial to avoid driving if the medication causes drowsiness, dizziness, or other impairments that could affect safe driving. Advice from healthcare professionals is indispensable in determining whether it’s safe to drive while on medication.

Tips for managing medication side effects while driving

Always read the medication’s label for potential side effects, and consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking multiple medications, as the combination could enhance negative effects on driving.

Here are some tailored tips for managing medication side effects while driving:

1. Schedule doses wisely: If possible, adjust the timing of your medication to avoid driving during peak side effect hours. For medications that induce drowsiness or other impairing side effects, consider taking them during times you are unlikely to drive, such as before bedtime.
2. Start new medications carefully: When beginning a new medication, observe how it affects you before deciding to drive. Some medications may affect your ability to drive more significantly when you first start them or when your dose is changed.
3. Monitor and communicate: Keep track of how each medication affects you and communicate with your healthcare provider about these effects. They may adjust your dose or suggest an alternative medication that has a lesser impact on your driving ability.
4. Use public transportation: If medication effects compromise your ability to drive safely, consider alternative transportation options such as public transit, rides with family and friends, or taxi services.
5. Ask questions and inform your healthcare provider: Inquire about potential side effects with your healthcare provider and inform them of all medications and supplements you’re taking. This can help manage interactions that may impair your driving.
6. Adapt to side effects: For mild, ongoing side effects, inquire if adjustments such as taking the medication with food or at a different time of day might mitigate the impact. Also, understand the implications of mixing your medication with alcohol, as this can often exacerbate side effects.

By following these tips and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers, you can help ensure that medication side effects do not compromise your safety or the safety of others on the road.

Worried about your prescription drug use?

If you are worried that your prescription drug use is affecting your day-to-day or escalating at an alarming rate, contact us today. We can help you reduce your dependence on prescription medication and find freedom in sobriety.