How Common Medications Can Impair Driving

Many motorists are unaware that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can lead to a DWI charge. In fact, they seem to think that having a prescription insulates them from criminal prosecution.

But as the Texas Penal Code explains, a valid prescription is not a defense to DWI. You can’t drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs. The prescription lets you have possession of controlled substances legally. It doesn’t give you a pass to drive.

Below, we look at some common drugs used to treat a variety of conditions and explain how they can impair driving. Call Tad Nelson to talk about any DWI case. We can help if you were impaired by drugs, alcohol, or even cold medicines.

Xanax (alprazolam)

DRAMATIZATION

This is a popular prescription for treating panic attacks and anxiety. However, it contains benzodiazepine, which is a sedative. It can lead to:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Impaired vision

Percocet, OxyContin (oxycodone)

Oxycodone is an opioid which doctors prescribe for pain management. Unfortunately, these drugs can induce sleepiness as a side effect. Furthermore, opioids can become stronger when combined with certain other drugs. A motorist could nod off, for even a few seconds, and crash.

Other opioids cause dizziness, which is a disaster while driving. Someone who is dizzy should immediately stop the vehicle, but this isn’t always possible on the highway.

Prozac (fluoxetine)

Depression medication often impairs motorists, especially in the first few weeks of taking it. Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects with Prozac. A great deal depends on when you take the medication, but those who take it during the day are at increased risk of impairment while driving.

Ambien (zolpidem)

Sleep medication like Ambien can obviously lead to drowsiness and delayed reflexes. The result is an increased risk of an accident. Be especially careful with any sleep medication, which might have side effects that last for several days. Some people don’t wake up normally when on sleeping pills, either, but have “brain fog.”

How to Take Prescription Drugs Safely

There might not be any “safe” way to take your meds and continue to drive. If you are impaired, then there’s no reason you should be out on the road.

If an officer sees you swerving or getting into a wreck, they will investigate. You might admit to taking the medication, or the officer will request a blood sample. Typically, officers expect to find alcohol or marijuana—drugs of that nature. But any controlled substance can lead to a DWI charge if you have it in your system and are not driving safely.

Instead of driving, you might take an Uber or Lyft to get where you need to go. Or, if those options are too expensive, you could ask a friend to drive you. Remember that a DWI can lead to a suspended license.

Reach Out Today for Legal Help

Tad Nelson is happy to discuss the details of your arrest. Our law firm has handled every type of DWI, from the routine to the unusual. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

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