By now everyone knows it: alcohol and drugs are absolutely incompatible with driving. But also be careful with medications! Driving after taking medication multiplies the risk of accidents: data on active ingredients detected by health checks in case of road accidents confirm this. Driving is a complex activity that requires attention and quick reflexes. These very abilities can be compromised even by medications that we often consider "light" because they can be purchased without a prescription. What are the most serious side effects? Altered concentration, drowsiness and dizziness, altered perceptions, reduced vision quality, slowed reflexes and reactions.
For some medications, the consequences are known, for others less so, but in both cases, we often tend to underestimate them. This is a mistake that can have serious consequences. Let's look in more detail at the effects of some medications.
The danger of antidepressants and antipsychotics is evident, as they act on the central nervous system and drastically reduce analytical ability and quick reflexes. The most recent ones (citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) are less sedative, but not harmless!
First-generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine, cyproheptadine, hydroxyzine, oxatomide) are still included in the composition of many medications, including over-the-counter ones. These medications are used to treat the symptoms of allergic reactions that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. If possible, it is better to prefer new-generation ones (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, mizolastine) which have much milder side effects.
Anxiolytics or "minor tranquilizers" (benzodiazepines) are medications that lower anxiety levels. They are used not only for emotional disorders but also as sedatives before examinations such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy. They cause drowsiness, coordination disorders, and confusion. Specific studies show that taking anxiolytics increases the risk of road accidents by 5 times.
Drivers rarely suffer from motion sickness. But if an antiemetic is needed – against seasickness or airsickness – and you know you will have to drive afterward, it is better to avoid products based on dimenhydrinate. In the absence of contraindications, scopolamine patches are better, as they cause fewer undesirable effects on driving (drowsiness and blurred vision).
Some eye drops administered during eye exams (atropine, pilocarpine) cause a temporary dilation of the pupil, which compromises vision quality. Read the package leaflet carefully and have someone accompany you to the doctor!
Final warning: alcohol can worsen the negative effects of all medications. So, be careful with dangerous combinations, especially of alcohol with tranquilizers and antihistamines.
