The DVLA may tell drivers to “avoid driving” if they are taking three medications, according to leading experts. Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk, claimed that motorists on certain “strong medications” would likely be told not to get behind the wheel.
Almost all medications come with certain side effects, with many prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies more potent than patients may believe. The specialists make clear that pills that claim to cause “drowsiness” could be an issue to those planning to travel. Meanwhile, they stressed common medications such as antidepressants could also be a cause for concern.
Greg admitted: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving. Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”
According to GOV.UK, motorists should talk to their doctor about whether they should continue to drive if they have been prescribed one of several drugs.
According to officials, these include amphetamines, for example dexamphetamine or selegiline. Menahwie, those taking clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam or methadone could also be at risk.
Drivers taking morphine, opiate and opioid-based drugs, oxazepam and temazepam will also need to speak to their doctor before travelling.
GOV.UK added: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving. It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”
According to Mind, law enforcement will be able to test drivers who they suspect have taken legal drugs above the specified levels. However, they stress that motorists who are taking prescription medicines correctly and have not suffered any side effects could be safe to continue driving.
They explained: “If you’re taking your medicine as directed by your doctor and your driving is not impaired, then you aren’t breaking the law.
“Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine for information on how it might affect your driving. You may wish to avoid driving while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.”