Medication and Driving. By Leon Swanepoel Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

CONTENTS: Introduction. Types of Medication. Precautions. Controlling the use of medication. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

Medication and Driving. 1. Introduction: For many, driving represents freedom, control and independence. It gets people to where they need to go. Driving impacts their ability to earn an income. and this impacts the economy of the region. Our ability to drive safely is affected by changes in our physical, emotional and mental condition. Many of these require medication or treatment. The driver of the vehicle needs to know that some medications can affect their ability to drive and operate machinery safely. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

While many medications do not influence driving ability, some medicines can make it unsafe to drive. Here are some common problems that will require medication and side effects which may influence a drivers ability to drive safely. PROBLEM Allergies Anxiety Cold Depression Diabetes Heart and cholesterol conditions High blood pressure Muscle spasms Pain Parkinson's disease Schizophrenia SIDE EFFECT Sleepiness/drowsiness Blurred vision Dizziness Slowed movement Fainting Inability to focus or pay attention Nausea Excitability Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

Following is a basic list of the types of medications that are generally considered. Pain relievers.  Antihistamines.  Antidepressants.  Antihypertensives.  Antianxiety agents and muscle relaxants.  Stimulants  Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

3. Precautions.    There are different types of medications, each with a specific function and each with its own characteristics. In the same way there are many forms of treatment, some of which are through medication, and some through physical rehabilitation programmes. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

Continue So what do you do when you are on medication? Talk to your doctor. Ask about side effects and how the medicine might affect your ability to drive? Talk to your pharmacist. Ask the pharmacist about the effects medication may have on your ability to drive safely. Monitor yourself. Learn to know how your body reacts to the medicine and supplements. Take medications at prescribed levels and dosages. Changing your dosage on your own is never a good idea. Never combine medication and alcohol while driving. Mixing medication and alcohol is never a good idea at any time. Space out taking your blood pressure medications.  It may be more convenient to take all your pills at the same time, but that can cause increased side effects. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

4. Controlling and Monitoring the use of Medication.    It is too easy to take the wrong medication at the wrong time, or even take dangerous combinations of medication. This is why it is so important to monitor and control your medications closely. There are many medications on the market that are specialised, as for example antihistamines, which if taken excessively will eventually make the body immune to the medication which will reduce its effectiveness. Know who to consult for assistance and what to ask. Health care professionals may be able to assist with some of the following: Adjusting the dosage. Adjusting the timing of doses or when you use the medicine. Including an exercise or nutrition program to lessen the need for medicine. Change the medicine to one that has less side effects. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

Many OTC medications that work to relax you or alleviate flu, headaches or colds, have some or other form of “allergy” function and contain a certain degree of antihistamines in them. This combination with alcohol or stimulant will have the effect of making you drowsy or slow down your responses. While laws differ from country to country, you may be charged with a DUI (Driving under the influence) if caught driving hazardously while taking prescription or OTC medication, even if your doctor wrote you that prescription. Continue ©Transport Logistics Consultants.

You may use this material as an aid to training and development. Presented as a service to truckers, drivers and fleet owners. Thank You You may use this material as an aid to training and development. ©Transport Logistics Consultants.