Two versions of this fact sheet are available: A foldable full colour brochure and a print-friendly fact sheet.

What types of medicines can affect my driving?

Some examples include:

• some cold remedies and allergy products (e.g. Codral Day and Night®, Phenergan®)
• sleeping tablets and anxiety medicine(e.g. Antenex®/Valium®, Stilnox®)
• pain and opioid medicines (e.g. Lyrica®,Panadeine Forte®, Endone®, Tramal®)
• some antidepressant and antipsychotic medicines (e.g. Seroquel®, Lexapro®)
• some medicines for epilepsy (e.g. Neurontin®)
•  opioid treatment medicines methadone and buprenorphine (e.g. Suboxone®, Subutex®)
• prescribed cannabis medicines.

Drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs when taking medicines, taking more than the prescribed dose, or taking a combination of these substances can seriously affect your ability to drive safely.

How can these medicines affect my driving?

Some medicines can cause:

• confusion/poor concentration
• slower reaction time
• drowsiness/tiredness
• dizziness/feeling faint
• blurred or double vision
• muscle weakness
• anxiety and mood changes
• shakiness/unsteadiness.

These symptoms can make it unsafe for you to drive, cycle or use machinery and an put you and other road users at risk of an accident.

If you are taking any medicine and feel any of the symptoms listed above or are unsure about driving - don't drive.

How do I make sure I am safe to drive?

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if and when it’s safe to drive while taking your medicines.

• Do not drive if you have consumed any alcohol or illicit drugs.
• If you have to take medicine that affects your driving, organise alternative transport e.g. public transport, friends and family, or taxis.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you could take that may be less impairing, particularly if you need to drive or operate machinery for work.
• Do not stop taking your medicines or alter the dose without medical advice as this can also put you at risk when driving.
• Read the warning labels on your medicines to check if they might be a risk to driving safely.

Some serious and chronic medical conditions that can affect your ability to drive safely may be reported to NSW Road and Maritime Service for your and other road users’ safety. Your doctor can provide advice about how your particular medical condition might affect your ability to drive safely, and how it might be managed.

More information

• Are you fit to drive? - Transport for NSW.
• For more information on prescription medicines and driving: Prescription Drugs - Transport for NSW.
• For information on prescription medicines, visit Medicine Finder - NPS Medicinewise or call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424).