When it comes to driving while under the influence, most individuals may associate this with the presence of alcohol consumption. However, this might not be the only factor that could create impairment among drivers, as there may be some types of medications that could impact your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Knowing the types of medications that could lead to driver impairment may be integral to protecting your interests and keeping allegations of impaired driving at bay. Since this might not always be so simple, it could also be helpful to know where to turn should allegations of such offenses arise.
Types of medications
Studies indicate that there are numerous types of prescription and over-the-counter medications that might impact your driving capabilities, some of which may include:
- Pain medicines: Experts indicate that some pain medications, such as opioids, could disrupt your ability to operate your vehicle. Even some muscle relaxants could trigger similar results.
- Antidepressants: Even certain types of medications for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety could also create similar concerns.
- Allergy medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications may also diminish reaction times or make it difficult for you to focus while behind the wheel.
- Sleep medications: Studies also suggest that some medicines that function as sleep aids could also disrupt driving capabilities, and sometimes the effects of medications taken at night may linger into the following day.
- Stimulants: Medications that aid in dieting or in helping you stay awake may contain stimulants such as ephedrine. Such medications could increase your risk of struggling with bouts of dizziness and lack of focus.
Even if you are unaware of the possible effects of your medications, a traffic stop on Oklahoma roads could still leave you facing DUI charges, and encountering such a situation can be exceedingly harrowing.
Facing DUI charges
If you face DUI charges under similar circumstances, you might have questions about what to expect from the process and about what steps you can take to safeguard your future. Seeking advice in addressing your situation and in understanding your legal rights and options could be integral to preparing for the subsequent process. Such a decision might play a vital role in helping you make informed decisions while creating a strategy for court proceedings that best reflects your needs and interests.