Why You Shouldn’t Take Medications Before Driving

Driving car

Everyone knows the dangers of drunk driving, but have you ever considered how some medications could also impair your ability to drive? It is a topic that does not get much attention, but there are many common medications that should not be taken before driving because they could endanger you as well as other road users.

The Most Common Causes of Road Accidents

Road traffic accidents are common, and you could be involved in one even without doing anything wrong. This is why it is sensible to have car gap insurance place to provide financial protection if the vehicle is written off (you would only receive the current market value). There are also many reasons why accidents happen, including the driver failing to look properly, failure to judge another motorist’s speed/path, reckless driving and distracted driving. Driving under the influence and driving when drowsy are also common causes.

Effects of Common Over-the-Counter Medicines

There are many basic over the counter (OTC) medicines that people take each day for ailments that have surprising and alarming side effects. Common side effects of OTC medicines can include nausea, dizziness and sleepiness. There are also drug-drug interactions if you take OTC medicines with other medication or even supplements that can increase the chance of experiencing unwanted side effects as well as drug-food interactions. In addition to this, some people are allergic to certain types of medicine, and this can result in an allergic reaction that could range from itching through to serious breathing problems.

The Dangers of Driving After Taking Medication

As you can see from the above, certain side effects could make driving very dangerous. If you were to take medication that made you feel nauseous, dizzy or tired then this could impair your ability to drive and cause a serious accident. This is why you should always read about any medications that you take and check to see what the advice is regarding driving – the label should say if it is unsafe to drive after taking the medication. You can also ask your doctor for guidance. If you are ever unsure, then you should take the medication to see how it makes you feel before operating a vehicle. 

It is not discussed often but driving a vehicle after taking certain medications can be incredibly dangerous. Some basic OTC medications can have side effects that could impair your ability to drive and put you and other road users at risk. This is why it is important to always read the label, speak to your doctor and know how different drugs affect your body. This will help you to make the decision as to whether it is safe for you to drive or if you should wait to take the medication until after you have completed your journey.