Which Medications Should Not Be Taken Before Driving?

[LeLily]

Medications that should not be taken before driving include: 1. Sedatives and sleeping pills: Phenobarbital-class drugs often have side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and in large doses, can cause ataxia, temporary memory loss, and impaired consciousness, which can affect a driver's judgment and reaction time, leading to accidents. 2. Antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines, also known as sedating antihistamines, including diphenhydramine and promethazine, can induce varying degrees of dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, attention deficits, and slowed reactions. Overdosing can worsen these effects, making them unsuitable for drivers. 3. Antispasmodics: Atropine, scopolamine hydrobromide, and belladonna tablets may cause dizziness, blurred vision, and attention deficits. 4. Antipsychotics: Both typical and atypical antipsychotics have sedative effects and can cause dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, drowsiness, attention deficits, and slowed reactions. Overdosing exacerbates these effects, making them unsuitable for drivers. 5. Cough suppressants: Drugs like pentoxyverine and dextromethorphan can cause dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue, making them unsuitable for use while driving. 6. Analgesics: Morphine, codeine, and pethidine can cause dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, drowsiness, attention deficits, and pupil constriction, impairing driving ability. 7. Ulcer medications: Omeprazole can cause dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, drowsiness, and numbness in the legs; cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine can cause dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness, all of which impair driving ability. 8. Anti-angina medications: Propranolol and mexiletine can cause headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus, and hypotension. High doses may lead to bradycardia, heart block, or even fainting, requiring caution while driving. 9. Anti-angina medications: Propranolol and mexiletine can cause headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus, and hypotension. High doses may lead to bradycardia, heart block, or even fainting, requiring caution while driving. 10. Blood pressure and diabetes medications: Unlike drugs affecting the nervous system, antihypertensives like propranolol, reserpine, and nifedipine can cause drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and hypotension, affecting driving safety. All diabetes medications carry a risk of hypoglycemia, especially insulin and sulfonylureas. Taking them on an empty stomach increases risks. Improper use can lead to drug-induced hypoglycemia, causing palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and collapse, all hazardous for driving.