A recent report from the New York Times reveals that some patients are being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after taking medications that have been prescribed to them. What has been surprising to most is that a DUI can be issued to a driver who is impaired from any substance while operating any vehicle such as a car, boat, or bicycle.
Statistics relating to impaired driving don’t breakout the causes, so it is not known how many drivers, arrested for DUI, are actually impaired from prescription drugs or from alcohol. To avoid this potential problem, it is recommended that patients talk to their doctor, follow the directions on their prescription, and inquire about any possible interaction between medications.