Getting A DUI Seattle From Taking Medications
By: Garvey Law OfficesWhile it's common knowledge that you can be arrested and charged for driving under the influence (DUI) when intoxicated by alcohol or illegal drugs lick marijuana, methamphetamines, or cocaine, few people realize that you can actually get a Seattle DUI for driving under the influence of prescription drugs and over the counter medicines.
Driving under the influence comes down to driving under the influence of anything that affects your ability to safely drive. This means anything you ingest that impairs your driving can result in a DUI arrest and charge. Even if a police officer decides you've failed a field sobriety test, the officer can't deem what you're driving under the influence of, meaning you can be arrested and charged with DUI simply because an officer deems you're too impaired to get back behind the wheel of your car.
This article provides a look at some of the prescription drugs and over the counter medications that can cause a DUI charge and why hiring a Seattle DUI attorney is important in protecting your future from the serious consequences of this type of conviction.
Over The Counter Medications
While you might feel better after taking cold, flu, and allergy medicine that eases your symptoms, these over the counter medications can also make you dizzy, drowsy, incoherent, and can even affect your muscle coordination and ability to concentrate. Add this to a field sobriety test that is difficult for most people to pass even when they aren't suffering from an annoying cold, flu, or allergy or driving while under the influence of anything and you could have a problem.
If you're not feeling up to par after taking any type of over the counter medication, it's obviously not a good idea to drive. That's why most over the counter medications contain a warning stating that you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking them.
Prescription Drugs
Taking prescription drugs can also result in a DUI arrest and charge, especially drugs like anti-depressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxers that cause dizziness, drowsiness, and a loss of focus and muscle coordination. Even low blood sugar that can result from taking prescription drugs for diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can cause these symptoms.
Just as with over the counter medications, you should never drive if you feel the prescription drugs you take will affect your ability to drive safely. In addition, always check the warnings that come with your prescription drugs so you're aware of any adverse reactions that could affect your driving.
Although all over the counter medications and prescription drugs are legal and will make you feel better, keep any adverse reactions in mind before you get behind the wheel after taking them. The penalties for driving under the influence of over the counter medications and prescription drugs are just as serious as the penalties for driving of the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol. That's why you should never submit to a field sobriety test and you should contact a Seattle DUI lawyer immediately if you're arrested and charged.
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