Medications that affect driving
The most important effects that these drugs cause and that jeopardize driving ability are drowsiness, loss of psychomotor coordination, behavioral changes, balance disorders, and sensory disturbances.
What medications affect driving
The main groups of drugs that affect driving ability are:
- Anxiolytics and hypnotics
- antidepressants
- Opioid pain relievers
- Anesthetics
- Type H1 antihistamines
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Antipsychotics
- Antiparkinsonians
- Hypoglycemic agents
- Beta-blockers
In general, patients are not very aware of the effects that these medicines They may have on the ability to drive, both because they are not read, which usually indicates it, and because the doctor does not warn of this danger in the consultation.
Since 2007 and based on Royal Decree 1345/2007 of October 11, in Spain it is required that all medicines whose effects may affect the ability to drive or operating machinery include a pictogram on their packaging so that the patient can read the warnings in this regard in the drug leaflet.
How do medications affect driving?
- Most studies have shown that benzodiazepines are the group of drugs most found in the biological fluids of drivers who have suffered a car accident or those who have been arrested for reckless driving, often associated with. This rate of presence of benzodiazepines with or without alcohol in these drivers is higher than the presence in blood or urine of illegal drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)