Medications and driving: Some medicines can reduce reflexes, attention, and coordination. Here are the categories most closely monitored, the risks for drivers, and when the Medical Board for Driving Licenses may intervene.
Edited by the Editorial Staff
Driving while taking certain medications is an often-overlooked issue that has returned to the spotlight with the new Highway Code. Many people are unaware that even a medication prescribed by a doctor can affect their ability to drive, particularly if it causes drowsiness, slowed reflexes, difficulty concentrating, or impaired coordination.
The aim of the law is not to prohibit necessary medical treatments but to prevent people from driving when they are not in a safe physical or mental condition. For this reason, it is essential to understand the effects of any medication you are taking and to follow the instructions provided by your doctor and the package leaflet.
Medications and Driving: When Does the Risk Arise?
Having a valid prescription does not automatically mean you are always fit to drive. Some medications can temporarily impair the skills required for safe driving.
The risk is higher when a medication causes:
- Drowsiness
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Confusion or reduced alertness
Even when taken exactly as prescribed, these medications can make driving unsafe.
Benzodiazepines and Sedatives: Use Extra Caution
Among the medications of greatest concern for drivers are benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. Active ingredients such as lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and delorazepam may cause sedation and significantly slow reaction times.
One important consideration is that their effects may last longer than expected. A dose taken in the evening can still impair driving the following day, particularly with long-acting medications or when combined with fatigue, alcohol, or other medicines.
Opioids, Antihistamines, and Other Medications Under Review
Certain pain medications can also affect driving safety. Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, codeine, and fentanyl may impair perception, coordination, judgment, and reaction time.
Drivers should also exercise caution with some cough and cold medicines, as they may contain ingredients with sedative effects.
Other medication categories that require particular attention include:
- Certain antiepileptic drugs
- Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
- First-generation antihistamines with sedative properties
Even medical cannabis, when legally prescribed, requires special care because the presence of THC can impair the abilities needed for safe driving.
What Happens When You Renew Your Driving License?
The issue is not limited to roadside checks. In some cases, license renewal may require additional medical assessments.
People receiving long-term treatment with medications that could affect driving ability may be referred to the Local Medical Commission, which evaluates fitness to drive when certain medical conditions are present.
This does not automatically mean losing your driving license. If the treatment is stable, effective, and supported by appropriate medical documentation, the license may simply be renewed for a shorter period, requiring more frequent medical reviews.
The Commission considers several factors, including the individual’s overall health, medication dosage, response to treatment, and the available medical records.
What Should You Do Before Driving?
Before driving after starting a new medication, carefully read the package leaflet and check for any warnings about driving or operating machinery.
Never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Instead, ask whether your treatment could affect your ability to drive safely.
If you experience symptoms such as severe drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or slowed reflexes, the safest decision is to avoid driving until you have spoken with your healthcare provider.
