How will medicines affect my driving?

To drive safely, you need to be able to see, think and react properly. Some medicines can affect these skills.

Some medicines can cause side effects, like:

• feeling drowsy or tired
• feeling dizzy, faint or nauseous (feeling sick)
• having double or blurred vision
• being shaky or unsteady
• being confused and less alert
• having muscle weakness or being less coordinated
• having anxiety or other changes to your mood

These effects may cause you to:

• not be able to concentrate properly
• not be able to judge distance or speed properly
• react more slowly

These effects might change how well you drive. It can be the same as driving when you are over the legal limit for alcohol.

Which medicines might affect my driving?

There are many types of medicines that may affect your driving. These include:

• over-the-counter medicines
• prescribed medicines from your doctor
• complementary medicines
• illicit drugs

Some medicines that may affect your driving are:

• some medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, nausea, inflammation or fungal infections
• some cold and flu preparations
• some antihistamines
• sleeping pills
• opioids — used for pain relief
• epilepsy medicines
• diet pills
• medicinal cannabis that contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Cannabidiol does not contain THC but it can also cause you to feel sleepy or tired. It may cause low blood pressure.

Some medicines that you may take for your mental health make it hard to drive safely. These include:

• medicines for anxiety
• some antidepressants — used for nerve pain, migraines, bladder problems and depression
• antipsychotic medicines — used for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

If you take these medicines, it may not be safe to drive. Talk to your doctor about whether it's safe to drive.

Not everyone's driving will be affected by these medicines. It depends on:

• how your body adapts to the medicine
• how long before you drive that you take it
• what other medicines you are taking

What if I take more than one type of medicine?

Your chances of being affected by medicines are greater if you:

• take more than one medicine
• drink alcohol while you are taking medicines

Can my medical condition affect my driving?

Your illness or health condition can also affect your driving. Some medicines can help you drive more safely by controlling your medical condition. These conditions include:

• diabetes
• epilepsy
• heart disease

Do not drive if you have missed a dose of medicine that you need to control a condition that may affect your driving. Arrange another form of transport, such as public transport, ride share or a taxi.

If you are on diabetes medicines that may cause low blood sugar — especially insulin — you should check your blood glucose levels before driving and every two hours during a trip. Carry glucose for treatment of low blood sugar and be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

What should I do when I start a new medicine?

When you are taking a new medicine, it's a good idea to see what effect the medicine has.

You should not drive until you are sure that the medicine will not affect your ability to drive.

Your medicine might affect your driving more when you first start taking it. Over time, you may get used to it and experience fewer side effects.

Some medicines can last in your system for a long time. If you've taken a sleeping tablet you might still be drowsy the next morning. This is similar to having a 'hangover' from too much alcohol the night before.

Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dose without talking to your doctor first.

Tips for starting a new medicine

Here are some tips to help you drive safely when starting a new medicine.

• Always read and follow the instructions on the medicine's label.
• Read the consumer medicine information leaflet — this is available for all prescription medicines and some non-prescription medicines.
• Do not take more than the prescribed dose of your medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs while you are taking medicines.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you are unsure whether your medicines may affect your driving.

Your doctor can explain how to manage your medicines and your medical condition so that you stay safe while driving.

What should I do if I am unsure if it's safe to drive?

If you feel you may not be safe to drive, do not drive. Arrange for another form of transport, such as ride share, public transport or a taxi.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it's safe to drive while on your medicine.

Prescription medicines and driving laws

If you have a medical condition that could affect your driving, you will need to tell your state or territory licensing authority.

You may need to give them a medical report from a doctor which says that you are fit to drive.

It can be a criminal offence to drive in Australia with a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. This may affect your insurance if you have an accident.

If you take medicines for diabetes — especially insulin and some oral medicines — you should check your blood glucose level before driving to make sure it's not too low. Your blood glucose level should be 5mmol/L or more.

Driving under the influence of prescription medicines or illicit drugs can carry heavy fines.

Resources and support

State and territory governments are in charge of road rules and road safety. You can find more information for your state or territory at:

• Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra 13 22 81
• New South Wales: Roads and Maritime Services
• Northern Territory: Northern Territory Government
• Queensland: Queensland Government 13 74 68
• South Australia: Towards Zero Together
• Tasmania: Transport Services 1300 135 513
• Victoria: Transport Victoria 13 11 71
• Western Australia: Main Roads 138 138

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.