Can Prescription Meds Lead to a DWI Charge?

People generally think DWI involves only alcohol and illegal drugs, but legal prescriptions can also lead to a DWI charge. Prescription drug impairment can still be illegal even though the driver may have received a valid prescription. To find out more about how prescription medications might affect your ability to drive safely, keep reading.

How Prescription Medications Can Impair Driving

The effects of prescription medications vary from person to person. There are several general categories of drugs that can all result in decreased alertness, poor judgment, and slower reaction time. Some examples of these drugs include:

• Sleeping Aids – A low dose of a sleeping aid will still result in daytime drowsiness
• Sedatives and Anxiety Medications – The use of these medications has an effect on a person’s ability to react quickly in an emergency situation, because it affects the speed at which the brain processes information.
• Narcotic Pain Medications – Narcotic pain medication may cause both a loss of reflexes and a sensation of dizziness.
• Depressants – Most  types of depressants cause fatigue, or mental fog, and this is most prevalent during the first few weeks of using them.
• Antihistamines and Decongestants – Some antihistamines and decongestants can cause severe drowsiness, comparable to that of intoxication due to alcohol consumption.

Here are some labels and what they mean

 May Cause Drowsiness

Drowsiness may occur as a result of taking the medication(s). Also expect slower reaction times and decreased alertness or focus. So, it is important to wait until you are sure how it will affect your body before driving.

Caution with Use of Machinery

This implies that the driver’s ability to concentrate, make sound decisions, and have appropriate motor coordination will likely be impaired in some way.

Avoid Alcohol While Taking this Medication

Alcohol will significantly impair your judgment. It is even worse when combined with certain medications. Taking alcohol with these medications can result in unpredictable and sudden effects.

These phrases may seem vague. However, they are intended to convey important safety warnings and to provide you awareness as to how these medications will impact your brain and body functions.

Have A Conversation With Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Your Driving Stability

Have an open conversation with your provider about driving stability. Use direct questions to get relevant and practical info:

1.  Timing

• What is the best time for taking this medication?
• How long will I experience side effects?
• Will the first dose have more potency than future doses?

2. Alternatives

• Is there a formulation that does not have sedative effects?
• Can a lower dose of this medication provide adequate pharmacological effects without causing impairment?
• Are there other alternatives with less potential for impairment during the day than this product?

State-Specific Regulations and Treatment of DWIs Involving Prescription Drugs

DWI laws treat prescriptions differently depending on the state. Regardless of a valid prescription, if a prescription drug causes impairment when driving, you can still be charged with DWI. Many states have zero tolerance for impairment, which means that no matter the cause, the law may not be on your side. To learn more about how Texas treats DWI involving prescription drugs, seek legal opinion. Your lawyer may also offer legal help for drunk driving charges in Texas.  They may also recommend safe travel options.

Endnote

Taking medication prescribed by a Doctor could impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, and may also lead to a DWI conviction if the medication impairs your ability to do so. Therefore, it is essential that you be aware of how each prescription medication may impair your ability to drive safely. Always read and follow the Product Warning Labels for each prescription medication, and have an honest discussion with your physician about the effects of the medication on your ability to drive safely.

You may want to consider alternate means of transportation to protect both yourself and the people with whom you are traveling. 

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