What Drugs are Most Dangerous for Drivers?
A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collected data regarding doctor-prescribed medications that could impair driving performance.
The following medications are dangerous because they may be sedating. Some may present a risk equal to or greater than alcohol.
- Prescription painkillers, including codeine, morphine, OxyCodone and Vicodin
- Benzodiazpines (tranquilizers) such as Valium and Xanax, Flunitrazepam
- ADHD meds such as Adderall, Focalin and Ritalin
- Allergy medications
- Muscle relaxers such as Flexeril, Robaxin and Soma
- Antidepressants such as Zoloft or Prozac
- Sleep aids such as Lunesta and Ambien
- Barbiturates (pentobarbital)
- Methadone and other meds used for substance abuse disorders (methadone or Suboxone)
The following medications are stimulants that may increase risk-taking and aggressiveness.
- Amphetamines such as Dexedrine and Benzadrine
- Prescription diet pills
When You’re Taking Prescription Medications: Four Tips
- Talk to your doctor. Ask her about possible side effects and how they may affect your ability to drive.
- Be especially careful when taking a new medication.
- Monitor yourself carefully and learn how medications affect your body. Do you feel sleepy or dizzy? Are your reaction times delayed? Is your vision blurry?
- The more medications you take, the greater the risk. Talk to your pharmacist, especially if you’re taking more than one medication. He can tell you about possible drug interactions that may affect your ability to drive.