Driving and Medications: How to Stay Safe

Did you know a common cold pill or a sleep aid can slow your reactions as much as having a drink? Driving while on certain medicines raises real risks. This page gives clear, practical steps to keep you and others safe on the road.

Which medicines affect driving?

Some drugs make you drowsy, slow your thinking, blur your vision, or cause dizziness. Watch out for: first-generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine/Benadryl), opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines and sleep drugs, many muscle relaxants, some antidepressants (especially older tricyclics), antipsychotics, certain seizure meds, and sedating herbal supplements like valerian or melatonin. Even some blood pressure pills or diabetes meds can cause lightheadedness or fainting in certain situations.

Non-prescription products count too: cold medicines, motion-sickness pills, and some allergy tablets can all change how you drive. Combine meds with alcohol and the effects add up fast.

Simple checks to do before you drive

Read the label. If it says "may cause drowsiness" or "avoid driving," take that seriously. Don’t assume you’ll know how a drug will affect you — people react differently.

Try it at home first. Take the new medicine when you don’t need to drive that day. See how you feel after the first dose: can you focus, stay alert, and react quickly? If you feel slowed, wait until the effect passes.

Avoid mixing alcohol and sedating meds. Even small amounts of booze can make side effects worse. If you’re on a medication that raises low blood sugar risk (some diabetes drugs), learn the warning signs — sweating, confusion, shakiness — because low sugar can make driving unsafe.

Ask your pharmacist or prescriber one simple question: "Will this affect my ability to drive or operate heavy machinery?" If the answer is yes or uncertain, plan another way to get where you need to go.

Time doses wisely. If a pill makes you sleepy for a few hours, take it late in the evening, not before a morning drive. Keep a current list of your medications in your phone and in your glove box in case of an emergency.

If you have chronic conditions that affect alertness — epilepsy, narcolepsy, severe sleep apnea — check local driving laws and medical guidance. Some conditions require a doctor’s sign-off before you can legally drive.

Short, practical rule: when in doubt, don’t drive. Use a taxi, a rideshare, or ask a friend. It’s cheaper and safer than an accident or a fine.

If you’re ever unsure about a specific drug from our guides or need personalized advice, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They can help you balance treatment and safety so you don’t have to choose between health and getting where you need to go.