Motorists sent painkiller warning as doctors say 'don't drive'

There are certain painkillers and other medicines which people may not be able to drive on if they have been prescribed them. People who take painkillers may not consider the potential impact on their driving.

But they could land themselves in serious trouble were they to be involved in an accident and the medication was found to have impacted their driving. The Government has published a list of drugs for which people should consult their doctor about driving.

Doctors also say people shouldn't drive until they've had advice on some painkillers, which could make you drowsy and slow reaction times, potentially making you a danger on the roads. The Government says: "It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.

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"Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:

• amphetamine, for example dexamphetamine or selegiline

• clonazepam

• diazepam

• flunitrazepam

• lorazepam

• methadone

• morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example codeine, tramadol or fentanyl

• oxazepam

• temazepam

NHS Inform added: "Strong painkillers, like morphine or oxycodone, affect people in different ways. They can make you drowsy and your reactions may be slower than usual.

"These side effects may be worse if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that cause drowsiness. For example, anti-sickness medicines and other medicines used to manage pain.

"You may be fit to drive once the dose of your medicines is stable and your pain is well controlled. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you think your driving could be affected by strong painkillers or other medicines you’re taking.

"Don’t drive until you have had advice from them. They may be able to change some of your medicines if these affect your ability to drive safely.

"You should also speak to your healthcare professional if the dose of your medicine has changed or you have been prescribed something new."