How Prescription Drugs Affect Your Body — And Your Driving
For most people, driving is essential. It is how they get to work and school. It is how they get started on family vacations. For some, it is even how they earn their living. No matter the reason, driving is a complex skill that must be taken seriously. The ability to drive safely can be affected by many factors, not the least of which is prescription medication.
How Does Mediation Affect Driving?
People take prescription medication for a variety of reasons. Illness, allergies, pain and other reasons have people taking one or more medications on a daily basis. While some medications have no affect on our ability to drive, others cause sleepiness, blurred vision, slowed movement, dizziness, lack of focus or nausea.
For those who take more than one medication, the combination can affect the way we drive. While doctors work hard to keep side effects and interactions to a minimum, not all can be controlled.
Driving Safely
Most people are able to drive safely even while taking prescription medications. Some, though, should not be behind the wheel. The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor if you experience any side effects of the medication you are on. If you believe that you are having difficulty driving safely, your doctor may be able to change your medication, adjust the dose, or even adjust the timing of your doses.
In some cases, driving while under the influence of prescription medication can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Speak with your doctor honestly. Ask if medications you are being prescribed may affect your ability to drive. If you experience side effects, let your doctor know. It is up to you to be responsible about your medication use and your driving habits.
If you have been involved in a prescription accident in Austin, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the details of your case. Call our Austin personal injury lawyers today for information about how we can help you. There is never a fee for your initial consultation. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.