When a medicates affects driving, the safest choice is to

When a medicates affects driving, the safest choice is to

• A. Not drive and consult the prescriber before driving
• B. Drive slower but continue to drive
• C. Drive only if you take a smaller dose
• D. Drive as usual but be extra alert later

Answer: (A)

Medicines can impair your ability to drive by slowing your reaction time, dulling judgment, or blurring vision. When a drug may affect driving, the safest choice is not to drive and to consult the prescriber before driving to determine if it’s safe or if a different dose or medication would be better. Many common medicines—including sedating allergy or cold remedies, sleep aids, certain pain meds, and some antidepressants—can impair driving, and alcohol can make those effects worse. Even if you feel fine, impairment isn’t guaranteed to be obvious and can last longer than you expect. If you must travel, arrange alternative transportation or delay driving until the prescriber approves that it’s safe. Driving slower or taking a smaller dose doesn’t reliably ensure safety, and driving as usual while under the influence of medication is unsafe.

Medicines can impair your ability to drive by slowing your reaction time, dulling judgment, or blurring vision. When a drug may affect driving, the safest choice is not to drive and to consult the prescriber before driving to determine if it’s safe or if a different dose or medication would be better. Many common medicines—including sedating allergy or cold remedies, sleep aids, certain pain meds, and some antidepressants—can impair driving, and alcohol can make those effects worse. Even if you feel fine, impairment isn’t guaranteed to be obvious and can last longer than you expect. If you must travel, arrange alternative transportation or delay driving until the prescriber approves that it’s safe. Driving slower or taking a smaller dose doesn’t reliably ensure safety, and driving as usual while under the influence of medication is unsafe.