For some people, prescription medications are the only means to function in their daily life. Their bodies may start malfunctioning if they skip one capsule. People take prescription medications for various reasons, from managing severe body pain to preventing unpleasant symptoms. Nevertheless, every medication has some side effects that patients must be aware of.
If you have been in a car crash where a prescription drug influenced the other driver, you may wonder who pays for your damages. Such cases can be complicated because one may think neither party is at fault. An attorney can help review the case and determine the liable party. Consult with one today, and click here for legal help.
Common side effects caused by prescription drugs
- Dizziness: Some medications can cause people to feel very dizzy, so much so that they cannot walk across a floor and struggle to stand up. Dizziness can impair your vision and judgment, which are important while driving.
- Nausea: Feelings of nausea can prevent a driver from focusing on the road and reaching their destination safely. If the person vomits while operating the wheel, it can be dangerous.
- Drowsiness: Drowsiness or sleepiness is a common side effect of many prescription drugs and is extremely unsafe while driving. Dozing off for two seconds can result in a devastating crash with fatal injuries.
- Impaired cognitive function: While many people claim that they can do things after taking medication the same way as before, many drivers struggle with impaired cognitive functions. For example, they may not remember an important traffic rule.
How to prevent car crashes due to prescription drugs?
- Understand the side effects of each medication you take. You can ask your doctor or research on the Internet. Usually, medications for anxiety, depression, pain relief, and sleep disorders can make one sleep.
- Plan your driving around your medication schedule. If a certain medication makes you sleepy, avoid taking it before you drive and only consume it after you reach home.
- Understand the law about driving under the influence of drugs. Many people believe that the legal penalties only apply to people who drink and drive. However, prescription drugs can also result in fines, license suspension, and jail time.
- Keep your medications in labeled containers inside your car. This way, if you are stopped by law enforcement for driving under the influence, you have evidence to show that you took your essential medication and not recreational drugs.
If you were injured by a person who had taken prescription drugs right before driving, consult with an attorney to know your options.
