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Recognizing and Avoiding Prescription Drug Side Effects

If you take prescription medication, you may suffer from debilitating side effects that could impair your driving. Almost all prescription medications have some noticeable side effects, the most common of which are dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea and vomiting.

If these side effects are found to hinder your driving ability and you are pulled over by a police officer, you could be arrested for a DUI. A DUI is a serious offense that can lead to a number of penalties, including prison time and license suspension, and can also affect your personal and professional future. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact the aggressive, experienced law office of Rhode Island DUI defense attorney Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384.

Tips for Coping with Side Effects

If you are starting a new medication, you may begin to notice some physical and behavioral effects that you didn’t notice before. Unfortunately it is difficult to completely avoid side effects, but following these tips may help to minimize their impact:

  • Eat before you take your medication. If you experience nausea or vomiting as a side effect, it is often more intense if you take your medication on an empty stomach. Eating a meal or even a small snack beforehand can help to minimize nausea.
  • Sit and rest for a few minutes. If dizziness is a side effect you experience, you may not want to take your medication while your pulse is elevated. Allow yourself to sit and relax and bring your pulse to a resting rate. If you still become dizzy, you are already safely in a seated position.
  • Avoid mixing. Mixing your medication with other substances such as alcohol or caffeine may exacerbate the side effects you feel, making it difficult to perform tasks. It is especially crucial to avoid mixing if you intend to drive soon after taking your medication.

If You Find Yourself Behind the Wheel

If you begin to experience negative side effects while driving, the following actions may prevent an arrest or accident:

  • Pull over. At the first sign of nausea, dizziness, or other detrimental side effect, safely pull your car over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop.
  • Call a family member or friend. Have someone pick you up and take you home until you are feeling better.
  • Talk to your doctor. If your side effects are interfering with your daily life, let your doctor know. He or she may be able to help you find an alternate solution.

If you have been arrested for a prescription medication DUI, you are likely feeling confused and upset about being charged. A qualified attorney who specializes in DUI defense can provide sound legal advice and help you fight the charges you face.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs, contact Rhode Island DUI lawyer Matthew Marin today at 401-287-4384.