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( votes)The role of medicines in road accidents is particularly important because they can cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness and even a decrease in the ability to react. The main categories of drugs that need attention are listed below and useful instructions for patients – guides are listed below.
The consumption of medicines and then the "bad" habit of being in the driver's seat is dangerous and prohibitive.
Various studies* prove and certify that the role of medicines in road accidents is very important, even of 'innocent' seemingly 'innocent' medicines.
It must be understood that driving is representative of a number of activities which require vigilance. Most medicines cause side effects that reduce the driver's alertness, thus increasing the likelihood of a road accident.
What is the role of medicines in road accidents and what active substances affect the ability to drive?
There are some categories of drugs (more than 20%) that have a proven influence on the ability to drive, resulting in road accidents and these are the following:
1. Antihistamines
This category of drugs is taken to combat allergies, bronchial chants, etc. and deserves special attention for drivers, because mental capacity is reduced.
The main active substances are Rupatadine, Dimentindene and Cetirizine.
2. Antiemetics
They cause, among other things, drowsiness and inability to concentrate.
Their main active substances are Aprepitant, Cinnarizine and Dolasetron.
3. Antihypertensives
A percentage of them bring about side effects such as vertigo, fainting, drowsiness and fatigue.
With their use, the risk of hypotension increases.
Usually the dosage of these drugs increases during the winter season when more attention is needed when driving (see now who uses advice when driving).
The main active substances are Doxazosin, Barnidipine and Verapamil.
4. Antipsychotics
Anxiolytics, stimulants, antidepressants, neuroleptics, anorexigenic are generally dangerous when driving a vehicle.
They affect the ability to drive and lead to fatigue, sedation or agitation, a decrease in the ability to react, drowsiness and vertigo.
The main active substances are Clozapine, Paliperidone and Sertindole.
5. Anticonvulsants
They greatly affect, like the condition itself (epilepsy) the ability to drive.
In case of an epileptic seizure, driving should be interrupted until the attending physician recommends it again.
The main active substances are Primidone, Tiagabine and Valproic Acid.
6. Anesthetics
It is noteworthy that even if you have undergone minor surgery it is advisable to avoid driving, for at least 48 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia.
The main active substances of these medicines are considered to be Isoflurane, Propofol and Bupivacaine.
7. Muscle Relaxants
The main side effects are drowsiness, dizziness and even a large drop in blood pressure.
The main active substances are Triazolam, Carisoprodol and Diazepam.
8. Parkinson's
This condition in any case hinders the ability to drive.
However, medications for the treatment of Parkinson's can cause light sensitivity and adjustment disorders, especially significant side effects if they occur while driving.
Main active substances are Levodopa, Amantadine and Selegiline.
9. Hypnotics
It is quite understandable that these drugs are forbidden to combine with driving.
However, some are appropriate under certain conditions, as long as you first contact and inform your doctor.
Their active substances are Triazolam, Clomethiazole and Zaleplom.
10. Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are usually administered to people with increased chances of developing thrombosis, so the chances of profuse bleeding in the event of a car accident are rapidly increasing.
There is also an increased risk of infarction or embolism from the underlying condition.
The main active substances are Bemiparin, Dalteparin and Heparin.
11. Ophthamologics
Ophthalmological drugs are divided into two categories: myotics and mydriacs, with the use of which driving is explicitly prohibited.
Both types may cause side effects on the user such as dizziness, vomiting, sweating, insomnia, tachycardia and a decrease in visual acuity and vision in the dark, especially important because the likelihood of being involved in a road accident increases at night (see 5 Reasons that night driving is considered the weakest link).
The main active substances are Ampicillin Sodium, Phenylephrine and Norfloxacin.
12. Anti-Acne Medications
Anti-acne medications can cause dryness in the eyes and significantly limit night vision, while also reducing the ability to drive.
The main active substances are Isotetrinoin, Clindamycin and Isotretinoin.
What factors determine the role of medicines in road accidents?
The factors that determine the effect of drugs that significantly affect the ability to drive are age, gender, physique, weight, any coexisting diseases, dosage and simultaneous intake of other drugs.
Useful instructions for Patients – Guides
Avoid driving when taking medicines that affect your driving ability.
Always read the accompanying instructions of the medicines you are taking.
Pay attention to possible side effects.
Always observe the dosage recommended by the doctor.
Avoid taking medications at the same time or combining them with alcohol.
Particular attention to taking drugs that are dispensed without a prescription.
In case of any questions, consult your doctor immediately.
No treatment is started without notifying your doctor about the use of other drugs.
Therefore, the role of medicines in road accidents is particularly important and it would be advisable to avoid driving.
*see Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 'NHTSA' in america