Many people have a legitimate need for prescription medicine, so you should not suffer legal consequences for taking it. The problem with some medications is that they create side effects that could impair your ability to drive.
If you start driving erratically, a police officer might pull you over and arrest you for DWI. So it is important to understand what prescription drugs or even over-the-counter medicine could do to you before you head out on the road.
Examples of drug symptoms
The FDA points out that most medicines do not impair your senses. However, you should check the warnings on a medicine bottle to make sure you can drive without a problem. Otherwise, you may suffer some of the following side effects:
- Diminished concentration and focus
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Feelings of nausea
- Dizzy spells
- Loss of consciousness
Even if you do not experience these symptoms, your reaction time may be slower than normal. So if you have to suddenly slow down, you might not be able to operate your vehicle quickly enough before an accident happens.
The duration of side effects
While some side effects do not last long, some medicines generate symptoms lasting for hours. Even trying to sleep them off does not always work, and you may feel symptoms the next day. This could be a problem if you go for a morning drive without fully recovering.
In addition to a DWI, you may face other charges. The police may search your vehicle and find you have prescription medicine in an unmarked bottle, although you might show evidence that you have a prescription later on. Be aware of how your medicine could affect your driving so you do not run into legal trouble.
