Many medicines depress the central nervous system and
lead to drowsiness. In some cases, for example sleeping
tablets, this can be of great benefit. With other medicines
such as painkillers, antidepressants, and several cough,
cold and hayfever treatments drowsiness can often be an
unwelcome side effect. Indeed, drowsiness caused by some
sleeping tablets can last well into the following day.
Check
here if your over the counter medicine is likely to cause
drowsiness.
The concurrent use of alcohol and medicines can be dangerous.
The effectiveness of some medicines can be increased or
reduced by alcohol. Medicines can also increase the effects
of alcohol in the body.
Check
here if your over the counter medicine is likely to increase
the effects of alcohol.
Many medicines including common over the counter remedies
can affect your ability to drive.
Indeed, commercial airline pilots are subject to strict
guidelines surrounding the use of sedative medicines.
The effect of medicines on driving can be attributed to
several factors including drowsiness, lethargy, a reduction
in reaction time and a reduction in our ability to perform
complicated or skilled tasks. Combining these medicines
with alcohol will further worsen this effect.
A UK survey, in 1994, found as many as 760 people a year
killed in traffic accidents caused by the sedative effects
of antidepressants.
This survey also reported that 75% of patients on antidepressants
admitted ignoring or claimed ignorance of warnings on
medicine labels about driving.
Another EU study suggests that at least 10% of those injured
in car accidents may have taken medicines which act on
the central nervous system.
Check
here if your over the counter medicine is likely to affect
your ability to drive.
DISCLAIMER: This
database indicates the potential for driving impairment
through sedation effects only. You should also be aware
that medicines may impair driving through other effects
on the body such as altering emotional behaviour which
may influence decision-making and impulsiveness. Stimulant
medications may lead to aggressive behaviour. The database
indicates medicines which increase the sedative effects
of alcohol.
You should be aware that alcohol can also increase or
reduce the effects of certain medicines on the body. For
example, alcohol can worsen stomach irritation caused
by aspirin and other NSAIDs. For the purpose of completion
all over the counter medicines, including topicals and
children's medicines are listed.
For any further queries on medicines and driving, contact pharmacy@eirpharm.com
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