FDA identifies nine drugs that pose risks to driving

STAY INFORMED: The Criminal Investigation Bureau urged people to carefully review medication instructions and warnings before operating a vehicle, as they could held liable

• By Sam Garcia / Staff writer, with CNA

• • Add TT as Preferred Source

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday identified nine categories of medication that pose risks comparable to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as the agency seeks to raise awareness to improve road safety.

The medications include sleeping pills, anesthetics, pupil dilators, muscles relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, some blood sugar and blood pressure medications, some painkillers and cold medicines, and some antihistamines, the FDA said in a statement.

Those drugs can cause slow reaction times, drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination or blurred vision, compromising driving safety, the agency said.

Drug tablets are pictured in an undated photograph.

Photo: Taipei Times file

The FDA said it was working with transportation authorities to make educational leaflets on safe driving for people taking common medications.

The information would also be available through the agency’s Web site, weekly newsletter and Facebook page, it said.

The FDA would also urge pharmacists and pharmacist associations to remind people that certain medications could affect their ability to drive, it said.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau has said that driving while impaired by medication could constitute public endangerment.

People should carefully review their doctor’s instructions or warnings that the medication could impair their ability to drive, and assess whether they are fit to safely operate a vehicle, the bureau said.

Under Article 185 of the Criminal Code, drivers who are unable to operate vehicles safely due to the use of drugs, anesthetics or similar substances could be charged with endangering public safety and face up to three years in prison, while those who cause accidents resulting serious injury or death face harsher penalties, it said.

Article 35 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (道路交通管理處罰條例) stipulates corresponding penalties, including fines, the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license and the impoundment of the vehicle.

People can be held legally responsible for driving after taking prescribed medication that impairs their ability to drive and operate a vehicle, the bureau said.