Impaired Driving Is Possible with Prescription Medications

Driving while under the influence is understood as being reckless and dangerous. But while it is common knowledge that alcohol and illegal drugs impair driving ability, many do not consider how prescription medications could alter a person’s ability to drive. When an individual has medications prescribed by a doctor, they need to be sure to ask about the impact those medications could have on their driving ability.

If you were in an accident with a drugged, medicated, or drunk driver, talk to an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer. When an accident was fueled in part due to a person’s medication, the claim or case can be complex. A skilled attorney has the experience you need to help you secure a strong settlement after a Maryland car wreck.

Some of the Side Effects of Medications

Not all prescription medications impede the perception and coordination a person needs to drive safely. But sometimes they do, or they do once they interact with another drug, whether that is a prescription medication or an over the counter drug. Some anti-depression medications can reduce a person’s reaction time, for example, which could be dangerous if that person was driving an unexpected change in driving condition occurs.

Possible side effects:

• Medications reducing anxiety and depression symptoms may reduce reaction times.
• Disorientation and dizziness is possible when pain relievers are ingested, particularly those with morphine or codeine.
• Interactions between medications can lead to blurred vision.
• Fatigue and drowsiness could result after antihistamines are taken.

Be honest with your healthcare providers and physicians about all medications you are taking, including prescriptions and over the counter options. There may be combinations that could result in side effects. Honest conversations can help to avoid dangerous driving, risky behavior that could lead to accidents and injuries.

Proper Doses and Self-Awareness

Another possibility for medication side effects is possible when individuals are not taking the proper dose. If a person is changing their dosage to try to match a change in symptoms without talking to their medical team, the results can be disastrous. This is also true when individuals abuse alcohol or other substances when on prescription medication without thinking about the possible interactions of drugs and medications.

Communicating with doctors and assessing your own ability to drive is important. If you feel you are not able to drive effectively, because you are fatigued or not seeing clearly, do not get behind the wheel of a car or truck. Postpone the journey or reschedule the appointment. Safe driving requires coordination and clear thinking. If you are medicated, have an honest conversation with your doctor about what precautions should be taken in order to keep yourself and others on the road safe.

Did a medicated driver cause your Maryland car crash? If you have high medical expenses, connect with a skilled attorney who can navigate complex claims. Reach out to the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. With years of personal injury claim knowledge, our attorneys can help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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