Common Over the Counter Medications That Can Affect Driving

Every year, millions of tax dollars go into campaigns against drunk driving. There are countless public service announcements on televisions, huge banners on buildings and giant billboards preaching the deadly aspects of drunk driving and the many repercussions that can happen legally if you drive under the influence of alcohol. While these ads do a great service to the community, as drunk driving is a very serious and deadly issue, they do make many people believe that alcohol is the only dangerous thing to mix with driving. But there are, in fact, many different substances that can have a similar affect on drivers as alcohol. Some of these drugs can be easily purchased over the counter at any pharmacy or grocery store.

Really any drug can potentially have a very serious and deadly affect on drivers as every person is different and one person may respond very badly to a certain drug while another person may not feel any difference whatsoever. However, there are certain drugs that are known commonly to be a threat to drivers after taking. And, like any other drug, while there are some people who are not particularly affected by these drugs, a large portion of the population will find that there central nervous system will be altered after ingesting them.

Drugs that Commonly Affect the Central Nervous System and Thus an Individual’s Ability to Drive

The drugs that commonly cause issues with drivers should have a warning on the bottle. However, the warning may be very small and possibly under a flap that is attached to the bottle containing information concerning dosage and side effects. Any time a new over the counter drug is taken, the bottle should be carefully scoured for any written warning concerning how the drug may affect the mind. OTC drugs to look out for if you need to drive are:

• Antihistamines that are not labeled non-drowsy-non drowsy antihistamines such as those taken daily for allergies do not typically affect one’s ability to drive, but drowsy antihistamines can cause extreme lethargy and somnolence.

• Decongestants-decongestants speed up the nervous system and can cause great anxiety or even shaking.

• Cold and flu nighttime drugs