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Motorists Should Exercise Caution if Taking Medication

If you’re on medication, you’re likely well aware of its side effects and the dosage instructions — but do you know if it’s safe to drive? Anyone who regularly needs to consume prescription drugs should be extra cautious before they hit the road to avoid potential complications.

There are certain types of medications that are more likely to impair driving ability. Thus, consider asking your physician about how your driving could be affected if you are taking any of the following:

  • Sleeping pills
  • Tranquilizers
  • Antidepressants
  • Cold and allergy medicine that induces drowsiness
  • Strong pain relievers
  • Amphetamines and other stimulants
  • Any medicine containing codeine

When taking any of these medications for the first time, wait to see how your body reacts before operating a motor vehicle. If you experience any symptoms that may interfere with your ability to drive, wait until you speak with your doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel.

Common symptoms that negatively impact driving include drowsiness or sleepiness, blurred vision, nausea and difficulty focusing. These side effects could be especially noticeable in older drivers, and may take longer to weaken. Additionally, combining multiple medications may cause different reactions than when taking each separately.

Driving while experiencing medication side effects can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Any medication that causes sleepiness or similar symptoms slows drivers’ reaction times and creates a greater likelihood that the driver will fall asleep at the wheel.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash involving an impaired driver due to medication, speak with a knowledgeable auto accident attorney at McMenamy Law LLC right away.


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McMenamy Law is located in Atlanta, GA and serves clients in and around Atlanta, Decatur, Scottdale, Clarkston, Tucker, Avondale Estates, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Smyrna, Marietta, Mableton, Roswell, Conley, Austell, Lawrenceville, Forest Park, Dekalb County, Gwinnett County, Fulton County, Cobb County, Rockdale County, Cherokee County, Douglas County, Clayton County and Henry County.

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