Can Prescription or Over-the-Counter Drugs Lead to a DUI Charge?

While most of us think of a DUI (driving under the influence) charge as stemming from alcohol use, taking prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can also lead to a DUI charge. A DUI charge can be imposed anytime a person is operating a motor vehicle impaired, whether that be through alcohol or drugs. Even if you are taking a medication prescribed by your doctor, you could face a DUI charge. Our Nashville DUI lawyers know the impact that prescription drugs can have on your driving ability as well as the most common drugs seen in DUI cases.

Impact of OTC and Prescription Drugs on Driving

Operating a motor vehicle requires that all of your faculties be in good working order. While you may think nothing of taking a medication prescribed by your doctor, certain drugs can result in slowed reflexes, impaired thinking, and visual acuity. Certain medications state that you should avoid using heavy machinery or driving while using them. Even if you feel fine when first getting behind the wheel, the side effects of the drugs may not be felt until some time later, when you are hours into your drive. If you are unsure of whether you should drive while on a certain prescription, you should ask your doctor.

Cold medicines and other OTC drugs can also have an impact on your ability to drive. While you may think of an OTC drug as being harmless, you may be less alert to potential hazards on the road. Cold medicines can cause drowsiness, impairing your motor skills, coordination, and judgment. It is recommended that you do not operate a motor vehicle until you have seen how your body reacts to a certain medication.

Common Medications Seen in DUI Cases

• Sleep aids: Ambien, Lunesta, and melatonin are sleep aids that can cause drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and impaired judgment.
• Antihistamines: Benadryl, Atarax, and Piriton are known to have sedating qualities, serving dual roles as helping with a runny nose and itchy eyes as well as functioning as sleep aids.
• Cough syrups: Delsym, NyQuil, and other cough syrups are known for their ability to induce sleepiness, with some having a marked effect on coordination and even inducing hallucinations in severe cases.
• Nerve medications: Lyrica, gabapentin, and Ativan are known to relieve nerve pain, as well as having a relaxing side effect. In some cases, patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision. Tennessee classifies drugs based on their rate of abuse and medical purpose. Under Tennessee law, Lyrica and gabapentin are both Schedule V drugs, having a low level of dependency and established medical use. Ativan (lorazepam) is classified as a Schedule IV drug, having an established medical purpose but a chance of limited psychological or physical dependence with continued use.

Fighting DUI Charges in Nashville

Certain cold medications can cause a false positive Breathalyzer test. Even if you are completely sober, a police officer is inclined to have you undergo field sobriety testing if you are showing signs of impairment. Besides questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test, our Nashville DUI attorneys will also question the validity of the traffic stop. A police officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If you were not weaving in and out of traffic, braking erratically, straddling the line, or showing other signs of impairment, the officer may not have had appropriate cause to stop you. Additionally, an arrest would require probable cause, which is a higher standard that requires solid evidence that you were likely driving under the influence.

Contact a Nashville DUI Attorney Today

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, legal guidance can help you to avoid significant penalties. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our Nashville DUI lawyers are committed to helping individuals who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Our legal team will handle your case from beginning to end, handling any issues that may arise. To arrange your free consultation to discuss your matter, feel free to contact our office online or by calling (615) 846-9889.