Can You get a DUI from Your prescription medication?

You Can. so beware before you drive.

While alcohol or illegal drugs are the main cause of DUI stops in Pennsylvania, people often forget that prescription and even over-the-counter medication can lead to unsafe driving and possible legal repercussions. Here’s what drivers should know.

Medications that can lead to a DUI

The FDA has compiled a list of medications that should not be taken while operating vehicles or heavy machinery. The list includes:

●      Opioid pain relievers (Oxycodone, Percocet, Codeine)

●      Anti-anxiety medicine and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax)

●      Muscle relaxants

●      Products containing THC or CBD

●      Antiseizure drugs and antiepileptic drugs

●      Antipsychotic drugs

●      Allergy drugs that contain antihistamines

Other medications that can result in a prescription drug DUI (sometimes referred to as a DUI-D) include Adderall, morphine, Norco, Vicodin, methadone, Ritalin, Seconal, certain antidepressants (ask your doctor), antidiarrheals, motion sickness medicine and diet pills.

Sleeping pills like Ambien and Doxepin can impair your mental and motor skills well into the following day. Consult with your doctor about finding a dose that will minimize these effects.

Some people are surprised to hear that certain stimulants are also not safe to take while driving, like Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter caffeine products.

It should also be noted that even if you are prescribed medical marijuana, you can still be charged with a DUI-D, but that’s probably warrants a separate blog post!

We all have unique body chemistry, and that chemistry can change as we age, so some people are more affected by medication than others. If you’re uncertain about what medication is unsafe for driving, including some combinations of ordinarily safe drugs, ask your doctor. You should avoid, or use with caution, any medication that might cause dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision and/or excitability.

The possible penalties are harsh

Unlike alcohol DUIs, where blood alcohol concentration levels can affect possible penalties, a DUI-D automatically brings the highest tier of criminal penalties.

In Pennsylvania, a first offense DUI-D can result in:

●      Up to six months in jail

●      Fines up to $5,000

●      Suspended license for up to one year

●      Drug treatment

●      Ignition interlock

Penalties increase dramatically for second offenses and beyond.

Any conviction will appear on your permanent criminal record, which can have lasting effects on things like employment opportunities and insurance premiums. But keep in mind that DUI-D charges don’t necessarily lead to DUI-D convictions. There are numerous factors that can result in reduced or dropped DUI-D charges. Consult an attorney for more information. Contact Szilagyi Law LLC today so we can advise you on all of your legal defense options.

The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.