Can I Get a DUI on Prescription or Over-the-Counter Drugs?
Alcohol-based offenses are not the only reason you can be convicted for DUI Driving under the influence. of cannabis, or common prescription drugs that can impair your abilities, may also be considered a DUI offense, or result in similar penalties.
What are Common Drugs that Cause a DUI?
There are many different kinds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can impair driving and general motor skills. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor and/or pharmacist as they will be able to tell you both side effects and possible negative interactions with other medications you are taking.
Here are some of the most common prescription drugs that impair driving:
Adderall
Adderall is typically prescribed to help people focus and maintain attentiveness. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, but the drawback is that after the medication is metabolized, users may feel extremely tired. This drowsiness can lead to dangerous driving and a potential DUI.
Xanax
Some of the side effects for Xanax include trouble concentrating, slurred speech, poor balance, tiredness, dizziness, and more. All these side effects have the potential to impair driving ability. Therefore, driving on Xanax is illegal and can get you arrested, charged, and convicted for DUI even if you have a legal prescription for it.
Percocet
Driving on Percocet is illegal as the drug can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and light-headedness, all of which can impair driving and cause a DUI arrest when pulled over by the police.
Ativan
Driving on Ativan is illegal as the drug can cause blurred vision, loss of coordination, dizziness, and drowsiness, which combine to create unsafe driving conditions.
Klonopin
Typically prescribed for anxiety, this drug can cause side effects like drowsiness, unsteadiness, and a loss of orientation. These are a dangerous mix behind the wheel.
Lorzapam
Driving on Lorzapam is not legal as the drug can make people feel tired, weak, nauseous, and dizzy. This can cause people serious problems on the road.
Clonidine
Clonidine can cause many side effects, but the relevant ones include drowsiness and a confusion as to the time, place, or person. Both effects cause impaired driving and can lead to unsafe driving and DUI arrests.
Flexeril
Driving under the influence of Flexeril is not legal as the drug can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, and fatigue. Being tired and unable to see is clearly not great for driving.
Vyvanse
It is illegal to drive under the influence of Vyvanse in most states as the drug can cause anxiety and dizziness.
Valium
Valium can cause loss of balance, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and muscle weakness, which can all be dangerous for drivers and individuals on the road.
Ambien
People report feeling “drugged” dizzy, tired, drowsy, lightheaded, and uncoordinated when on Ambien, among other side effects. These are all not safe for driving.
These side effects are important to be aware of, but you should also verify if any new medication you’re taking will interact with other medications or alcohol. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacists for more information.
As a reminder, even a valid prescription won’t prevent you from getting a DUI, if you’re pulled over while under the influence of any of these or other drugs.
Mixing Drugs and Alcohol
Many of these drugs are not meant to be paired with alcohol, and using both alcohol and prescription drugs can result in a severely impaired state. Some prescription drugs, for example, make you feel the effects of alcohol much sooner. Thus, if you are normally able to drive after one or two drinks, you should not if you are taking any prescriptions.
