It’s common knowledge that drunk driving and drunk driving are not the same thing, but should you get behind the wheel after taking the pill?
it is, Type of medicineAccording to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While most drugs are safe to take on the go, some can cause side effects that can interfere with operating vehicles or heavy equipment, the agency warned in a notice on its website.
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These side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred visionfainting, lack of coordination, nausea, difficulty concentrating or paying attention, and irritability, the FDA said.
“Some medications may affect your ability to drive for a short period of time after you take them,” the notice states. “For some people, the effects can last for several hours or even into the next day.”
Some medications can cause side effects that can interfere with your ability to drive a vehicle, the FDA warned. (St. Petersburg)
Some drugs come with a warning that you should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery for a certain period of time after taking the drug.
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“Different types of drugs, including antipsychotics, antiepileptics, stimulants, muscle relaxants, opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleeping pills, some antidepressants, and even over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, can cause side effects that impair mental and motor function, such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, slowed reaction times, and visual disturbances,” says Katie, a New York pharmacist.・Mr. Dubinsky says. The co-founder and CEO of private supplement company Vitalize told FOX News Digital.
“These side effects significantly reduce alertness and clear vision, which are essential for driving safely and performing daily tasks,” she added.
Some drugs come with a warning that you should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery for a certain period of time after taking the drug. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Shanna Johnson, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Physician in Scottsdale, Arizonapointed out that central nervous system depressants are particularly dangerous for driving because they work by calming the brain.
“Side effects associated with this sedation include drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and foggy thinking,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“Common examples of this class are drugs for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants), pain (opioids), seizures (anti-seizure drugs), and anxiety (benzodiazepines).”
Two other types of drugs that have sedative effects are antihistamines, which are used to: allergy control Anticholinergic drugs are used for bladder control and chronic pain, Johnson added.
Medications that cannot be used together with driving
The FDA website has the following list of medications that can make driving dangerous.
- antipsychotic drugs
- Antiepileptic drugs (antiepileptic drugs)
- Diet drugs, “sleepy” drugs, and other stimulants such as caffeine, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine
- Medications that treat or control symptoms of diarrhea and urinary or bladder control
- Medications that treat or prevent symptoms of motion sickness
- muscle relaxant
- Opioids (including some cough suppressants containing codeine and hydrocodone)
- Prescription medications for anxiety (such as benzodiazepines)
- sleeping pills
- some antidepressants
- Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications, including antihistamines, nighttime sleeping pills, and cough suppressants.
- Products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD
Side effects of the drug may include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, lack of coordination, nausea, difficulty concentrating or alerting, and agitation, the FDA said. (St. Petersburg)
take sleeping pills The FDA has warned that driving at night may affect your ability to drive the next day.
“If you are taking sleeping pills, talk with your health care professional about how to take the lowest effective dose, when to take the medication before bed, and when it is safe to drive again after taking sleeping pills,” the agency said. advised.
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Allergy medications may contain antihistamines, which can interfere with your ability to drive, the FDA added.
“Antihistamines can slow your reaction time, make it harder to concentrate or think clearly, and cause mild confusion even if you don’t feel drowsy.”
Some doctors encourage patients to try new medications when they don’t plan on driving. That way, you can see how the medicine affects you and potentially avoid dangerous situations. (St. Petersburg)
Johnson said the effects of drugs on driving ability can vary from person to person.
“Some people may not feel drowsy with antihistamines, but others may be sleepy all day,” she told FOX News Digital.
“It’s important to know how drugs will affect you before driving.”
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In his practice, Dr. Johnson said he tells patients to try new medications when they don’t plan on driving. That way, you can see how the drug affects you and avoid dangerous situations.
“If you are taking multiple medications that have sedative effects or side effects, there is an increased risk that the medications will impair your ability to drive. senior citizen,” she added.
Prevention of impaired driving
If you are taking medication, we recommend that you consult a medical professional for driving instructions.
For over-the-counter medications, the agency recommends always following directions for use and reading warnings on the drug’s fact label.
If you are taking medication, we recommend that you consult a medical professional for driving instructions. (St. Petersburg)
For prescription drugs, the agency recommends that you read the FDA-approved labels as well as follow the instructions and warnings on the package.
“your doctor; medical worker “You may be able to change your dose, adjust the timing of your medication, or switch to a medication with fewer side effects,” the FDA says.
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It is also important to tell your doctor about any other medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as they may affect your side effects.
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