Which Medications Should Not Be Taken Before Driving?
2 Answers
Taking antibiotics, cold medicine, antihypertensive drugs, cough suppressants and analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics, or hypoglycemic drugs can impair driving ability. Here is a brief introduction to some of these medications: 1. Cold Medicine: Most common cold medicines contain antihistamine ingredients, which are active substances in the human body. When stimulated by allergens, the body releases histamine, causing various allergic symptoms. Side effects such as drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and tachycardia can affect driving. 2. Summary: These medications can cause side effects in drivers, including dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
You must never take medications that can easily make you drowsy before driving, such as antihistamines found in some cold medicines, like chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine. I once drove after taking cold medicine and felt completely groggy, almost failing to react at an intersection, which led to a minor accident—that’s how I learned my lesson. These medications can impair focus, slow reaction times, and jeopardize driving safety—never take the risk. Besides cold medicine, sleeping pills are another classic example; driving after taking them is practically playing with your life. Certain painkillers containing codeine can also cause dizziness and blurred vision. Current laws impose strict penalties for drug-impaired driving, so always check the side effects listed on medication labels—anything marked ‘may cause drowsiness or slowed reactions’ should be avoided. For your own safety and others’, wait at least a few hours after taking such medications before driving, or simply call a ride-hailing service if needed.
