Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 2 2008
Driving and medicines
Driving a motor vehicle requires skill. Drivers have to concentrate and co-ordinate their movements to drive safely.
Medicines can affect driving skills. Many medicines for mental health problems, especially sleeping tablets and tranquillisers, can make people feel drowsy. Medicines may also affect vision and co-ordination.
The effect of a medicine on driving is most likely when the person first starts taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. For most medicines the effect on driving skills is small, but drivers may need to inform their insurance company about their treatment.
People who misuse their medicines or take them with alcohol or illegal drugs are more likely to have a car crash.
