Driving requires maximum concentration, quick reaction and absolute clarity of thought. Many drivers do not even suspect that a common headache or cold pill taken before a trip can cause a serious accident.
Pharmacology does not stand still, and modern drugs have a powerful effect, which often spreads to the central nervous system. Slowing down the reaction Sudden drowsiness can occur even if you feel completely healthy.
In this article, we will discuss groups of drugs that are categorically incompatible with driving, and explain how to avoid problems with the law and your own health.
How Medications Affect Your Ability to Drive
The action of most drugs is not limited to only the diseased organ. Active substances are carried by blood throughout the body, penetrating through the blood-brain barrier and affecting the brain. It leads to change. psychomotor reactions.
The driver may not feel clearly intoxicated, but his ability to assess the traffic situation is critically reduced. The pupils may respond to light more slowly, and peripheral vision narrows. Hidden influence Drugs often become a factor that cannot be controlled by willpower.
The combination of even small doses of alcohol with certain medications enhances the effect at times. If the instructions for the drug have the phrase "causes drowsiness" or "reduces the speed of psychomotor reactions", get behind the wheel after taking such a drug. forbidden.
⚠️ Attention: Even if you take the drug course and are already used to it, on the day of a long trip it is better to refuse driving or consult a doctor about changing the treatment regimen.
Antihistamines and remedies for allergies
Seasonal allergies take you by surprise, and many drivers rush to take a pill to get to the office or home. However, first-generation drugs such as diphenhydramine, suprastin or tavegil have a pronounced sedative effect. They block histamine receptors, but at the same time inhibit the work of the CNS.
A driver who has taken such a tool risks falling asleep behind the wheel or losing his vigilance. Reaction to a sudden obstacle may be delayed by critical fractions of a second. New generations of antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine) are considered safer, but the individual response of the body is always unpredictable.
The instructions should be carefully studied before admission. If there is a warning in the section "Impact on the ability to drive vehicles", the risk is not justified. It is better to take public transport or call a taxi.
- 🚫 Diphenhydramine - causes severe inhibition and dry mouth.
- 🚫 Suprastin - significantly reduces concentration by 4-6 hours.
- 🚫 Tavegil - can provoke dizziness and impaired coordination.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
Pain itself is a distraction, but the means to eliminate it can be dangerous. Opioid analgesics, such as codeine or tramadol, directly affect the opioid receptors of the brain, causing euphoria or, conversely, depression. Driving in the state of receiving such substances is equated to driving in a state of narcotic intoxication.
Even popular combinations containing caffeine or phenobarbital (such as some types of pentalgin or analgin with phenobarbital) can test positive when tested with a breathalyzer or rapid drug test. Phenobarbital is excreted from the body for several days, accumulating with regular intake.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually safer, but in high doses can cause tinnitus and visual impairment. ibuprofen and diclofen Standard doses are less likely to affect driving, but individual sensitivity cannot be ruled out.
⚠️ Attention: The presence of codeine or phenobarbital in the blood of the driver is regarded by traffic police as the presence of narcotic or psychotropic substances, which leads to deprivation of rights and criminal liability.
If you are prescribed strong painkillers after an injury or surgery, for this period you must abandon driving. Restoration of concentration can take from a few days to weeks after the end of the course of treatment.
Sedatives, antidepressants and sleeping pills
This group of drugs poses the greatest danger to the driver. Tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) and strong sedatives are specially designed to inhibit nervous processes. They reduce anxiety, but at the same time dull the instinct of self-preservation and the speed of reaction.
Antidepressants require a long period of dose selection. At the beginning of the reception or when changing the drug, side effects are possible in the form of hand tremors, blurred vision and drowsiness. Sleeping pills, especially long-acting ones, can retain a residual effect ("hangover syndrome") throughout the next day.
Even popular herbal remedies, such as valerian or motherwort tincture, contain alcohol and can have a relaxing effect. Although the risk of being disbarred is lower, driving safety can suffer from excessive relaxation.
- 💊 Benzodiazepines (phenazepam, diazepam) - cause muscle weakness and slowing down thinking.
- 💊 Tricyclic antidepressants - can provoke orthostatic collapse and blurred vision.
- 💊 Barbiturates - cause severe inhibition, comparable to alcoholic intoxication.
Can I take a valerian before the road?
The tincture of valerian on alcohol contains ethyl alcohol. Although one tablet or 20-30 drops is unlikely to lead to a state of intoxication, a sensitive breathalyzer can fix alcohol vapors. In addition, valerian has a sedative effect, which can reduce your vigilance on the road. It is better to replace it with drugs without an alcohol basis or completely refuse to take before the trip.
Drugs for cough, cold and runny nose
Colds are often accompanied by the intake of complex powders and syrups. Many of them contain components that dilate blood vessels (to relieve nasal swelling) or suppress cough. Vasoconstrictive drops and sprays can cause reflex narrowing of the vessels of the brain, leading to headache and increased pressure.
Antitussives containing codeine or dextromethorphan affect the CNS. Dextromethorphan in large doses can cause hallucinations and loss of control over reality. Cough syrups often contain ethanol as a preservative or solvent.
Combined remedies for the flu and cold (such as teraflu, coldrex) often contain pheniramin or chlorphenamine, first-generation antihistamines that cause drowsiness. Taking a "bounce" before the road, you can become lethargic and absent-minded.
The table below shows the main groups of drugs and the degree of their effect on driving:
| Group of drugs | Examples of active substances | Risk to the driver | Period of abstinence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihistamines of the first generation | Dimedrol, chloropyramine | High (drowsiness) | Up to 24 hours. |
| Tranquilizers | Diazepam, Alprazolam | Critical (braking) | Up to 3-5 days. |
| Opioid analgesics | Codeine, Tramadol | Critical (drug intoxication) | Up to 72 hours. |
| Sleeping pills | Zopiclone, Phenobarbital | High (residual drowsiness) | Up to 12:24 hours. |
Always read the section "Impact on the ability to drive vehicles" in the instructions. If it says "be careful" - it is better not to take risks.
Antibiotics and other groups of drugs
Many drivers mistakenly believe that antibiotics are safe to drive. However, the infection itself, for which an antibiotic is prescribed, often weakens the body. In addition, some groups of antibiotics (for example, aminoglycosides) can cause vestibular disorders - dizziness and impaired coordination.
Antifungal medications, pressure-reducing agents (hypotensives) and anticonvulsant medications also require caution. A sharp decrease in pressure can lead to fainting while driving, and anticonvulsant drugs directly affect the brain.
Hormonal drugs and insulin require strict control of sugar levels. Hypoglycemia (a sharp drop in sugar) is more dangerous than hyperglycemia and can occur suddenly, causing loss of consciousness. Diabetics need to have fast carbohydrates and a glucometer with them.
- 🦠 Aminoglycosides - can disrupt the work of the vestibular apparatus.
- 🩸 Hypotensive agents - the risk of a sharp drop in pressure and fainting.
- ⚡ Anticonvulsants - affect cognitive function and reaction rate.
☑️ Checking before taking medication
Legal consequences and liability of the driver
Under Russian law, driving while intoxicated (including caused by drugs) carries serious responsibility. The Code of Administrative Offences (CAP) does not distinguish between alcohol, drugs and psychotropic drugs.
If a medical examination shows the presence of prohibited substances in the blood or urine, the driver will face a fine of 30,000 rubles and deprivation of rights for a period of 1.5 to 2 years. In case of repeated violation or the presence of victims, criminal liability may occur under Article 264.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
It is important to understand that the argument “I took the pill as prescribed by the doctor” is not an excuse for the traffic police inspector if you got behind the wheel. The doctor prescribes treatment, but the responsibility for managing the source of increased danger lies solely with the driver.
⚠️ Warning: Keep prescriptions and packages from medicines. In a controversial situation, they will help prove that you did not use drugs purposefully, but were treated, although this does not remove the responsibility for driving.
If you feel unwell and have to take the drug, the best way out is to leave the car in the parking lot and use alternative modes of transport. Health and driving licenses are worth the precaution.
The main principle of safe driving: if you are in doubt whether it is possible to drive after taking the medicine, you can not sit down. The risk is too great.
Can I take the antibiotic Amoxiclav before the road?
Amoxiclave (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) by itself usually does not affect the reaction rate and does not cause drowsiness. However, if the infection is severe (high fever, weakness), you can not drive because of the general condition. Also, the drug can cause individual reactions from the gastrointestinal tract or dizziness.
Will the breathalyzer show the cough pills?
The breathalyzer itself reacts only to ethyl alcohol vapors. If the cough syrup contains alcohol, it can give a short-term positive result in the exhaled air. However, a medical examination (blood test) will show the absence of alcohol intoxication, but may reveal the presence of other substances (codeine), if they are in the composition.
How long can I drive after Suprastin?
The half-life of Suprastin is 6-8 hours, but the residual effect can last up to 24 hours. Doctors recommend abstaining from driving for a day after taking the pill, especially if high concentration is required.
What if I was stopped and I took the medicine?
Stay calm. Inform the inspector about taking the drug. Provide a package or doctor's prescription. You have the right to request a referral for a medical examination in a hospital, where a laboratory analysis will accurately determine the composition of substances in the blood and refute drug intoxication, if you did not use prohibited drugs.