Drs: DUI From Prescription Drugs + How To Check For Drug Interactions

The Drs TV: DUI From Prescription Drug Use

The Doctors started their show by talking about prescription drugs, which are meant to decrease symptoms and increase life span, but of course, that’s until you get behind the wheel. Car accidents caused by illegal drug use are on the decline, while prescription drug use among drivers is on the rise. A shocking number of drivers were found with three or more drugs in their system, and crash fatalities caused by the drug use has increased by 49%. States are now desperate for a solution.

Dr. Travis Stork said he hopes that we’re beginning to realize that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs. Dr. Drew Ordon said “even more so.” He also added that a lot of people associate DUI with alcohol, but it’s driving under the influence, which could be anything. Dr. Jennifer Ashton said they know that a lot of people need the medications for a valid reason, and she thinks it’s up to the prescriber to say, “You should not drive while on this medication.”

The Doctors: Check For Drug Interactions

Dr. Rachael Ross said every medication label has the warning, but the problem is that 90% of the population of people over 65 are on some sort of medication. Dr. Ordon said 40% of people getting pulled over for the reasons they’re talking about are over 50. Dr. Stork said the problem too, is that people may be on a medication that could cause sedation and when taken alone is fine, but when taking three together, it could cause a problem.

Dr. Ashton said if you’re on any sort of medication, you should go to the drug interaction checker, put in your medication, and if it comes up with a major interaction, ask your pharmacist or physician. Dr. Stork said it highlights what he believes: we tend to over prescribe in this country. He recommended looking into interactions, and if one of them is to avoid driving a car, or operating heavy machinery, you should listen to that warning.