Issue 522 – The Hidden Danger of Drugged Driving: How Medication Can Impair Road Safety

According to current traffic safety regulations, it is strictly prohibited to drive after consuming illegal drugs, hallucinogens, narcotics, or similar controlled substances. However, many everyday medications can also affect physical and mental functions, impairing driving ability—yet this risk is often overlooked by the public.

In this issue, we’ve invited Pharmacist Ting-Yu Lin from Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch to share key precautions regarding medication use and driving.

Many over-the-counter cold medications contain multiple ingredients designed to relieve symptoms, such as:

• Pain relievers/fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen)
• Cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan, codeine)
• Expectorants
• Antihistamines for runny nose (e.g., chlorpheniramine)
• Nasal decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, methylephedrine)

Among these, antihistamines and certain cough suppressants may cause side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid driving while ill and under medication. Instead, opt for public transportation to stay safe.

Sedatives and Sleeping Pills

If you take sedatives or sleeping medications such as triazolam, zolpidem, or lorazepam, they may lead to drowsiness, reduced attention span, weakened motor coordination, and impaired judgment or reaction time. Even if you took them the night before, lingering effects like fatigue or dizziness the next morning can still make driving dangerous. In such cases, you should refrain from getting behind the wheel.

5 Safety Tips for Medication and Driving

To prevent medication-related risks while driving, here are five key principles to follow:

1. Read the Instructions Carefully Before Use
2. Always check the label, warnings, or the medication leaflet. If you're unsure how a drug might affect your driving, consult a healthcare professional for advice.
3. Pay Attention to Your Body's Reaction After Taking Medication
4. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or muscle weakness, avoid driving. Also, do not take medications that may impair judgment while in the middle of a trip.
5. Stop and Pull Over If Warning Signs Appear
6. If you notice signs like reduced alertness, drowsiness, slower reaction time, or visual disturbances while driving, pull over immediately. Do not push through.
7. Inform Your Doctor About Your Driving Needs
8. If your job involves driving, let your doctor know. They can help choose medications that have minimal impact on driving or adjust the timing of your doses.
9. Do Not Discontinue Treatment for Chronic Conditions
10. For chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, arrhythmia, or depression that require long-term medication, never stop taking your meds without guidance. Be aware of how dosage changes might affect your body, and consult your doctor about adjusting your driving habits if needed.

Source: Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA)