Medicines and Driving
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Medicines and Driving |  |
Most sensible people know there is a danger in drinking too
much and driving. It affects our reaction times, ability to
control a vehicle and our judgement.
Speeds and distances are perceived differently when you've
had a couple too many drinks and the invincibility factor
also kicks in. That's where you feel like you can do anything.
The education campaigns carried out by government authorities
have drummed it into our collective minds - Drink Drive Bloody
Idiot. It doesn't stop some people hopping behind the wheel
when drunk, but most Australians do the right thing.
Mind you, random breath-testing, expensive fines and the
fear of losing your licence also have had a big effect on
attitudes.
While alcohol intake can be measured - the legal limit being
0.05 in Australia - there are other potential causes of road
danger that don't have such an easy right-wrong level and
require a great deal more self-education and awareness.
They are your own doctor-prescribed medicines and they can
be just as bad as drinking too much alcohol.
Most medicines are fine, but there are ones - particularly
involving antihistamines - that can make you as big a danger
on the roads as drivers over 0.05. They include those containing
Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine and Triprolidine.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia warns that legally
prescribed drugs for everyday ailments such as migraines,
colds and high-blood pressure can cause problems for drivers.
The society also says medicines can affect people in different
ways and what is fine for one driver is not necessarily so
for another.
According to the PSA the most dangerous time is when starting
a new medicine and drivers should monitor how their medication
seems to be affecting them before taking to the roads.
Warning Signs
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Shakiness
Unsteadiness
Feeling nauseated
Blurred vision
The society recommends checking with your chemist about the
drug and whether or not it is safe to drive after taking it.
And remember to check how that particular medicine will react
with any others you are already on.
Most have labels that state either:
- "This medicine may cause drowsiness and may increase
the effects of alcohol. If affected, do not drive a motor
vehicle or operate machinery."
- Or "This medicine may affect mental alertness and/or
coordination. If affected, do not drive a motor vehicle
or operate machinery."
Older people are more likely to be adversely affected by
such medicines. People who drink also need to watch what they
take as experts say alcohol exacerbates the hazardous effects
of medicines.
And the Pharmaceutical Society says patients should never
exceed the stated doses on the warning-flagged medicines.
If you are adversely affected then don't drive, as you will
be a considerable risk to both yourself and others on the
roads. Remember that being under the influence of legal drugs
is no protection if you cause, or are in, an accident and
you face losing your licence, receiving large fines, or voiding
your vehicle insurance cover.
Conditions with Potential for Problem Drugs
If you take medicines for any of the following conditions
then you should be aware they are likely to contain chemicals
that can lessen your ability to drive a vehicle.
· Migraines
· Sleeping disorders
· Depression
· Morning sickness
· Colds
· Ulcers
· Nervous system disorders
· Arthritis
· High Blood Pressure
Links:
Driving
& Antihistamines - Goverment Research
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