Medications and Driving

Seniors and medications

Seniors represent almost 13% of Canada’s population, but it is estimated that they use more than twice this percentage of Canada’s prescription medications — and that doesn’t even include over-the-counter medications such as those used for colds or allergies. But sometimes medications and driving just shouldn’t be mixed.

How medications affect driving

Seniors are more likely to suffer from conditions that require medication and may need to take several prescription and non–prescription medications at the same time. Combining medications and driving can sometimes turn an otherwise safe driver into a dangerous driver.

  • Aging changes the body’s sensitivity to medication and the way the body absorbs, metabolizes and eliminates medication.
  • Some medications cause drowsiness or disorientation or can slow reactions times, greatly increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Interactions between medications can make the situation even worse causing unexpected side effects or bad reactions.
  • Alcohol, when combined with medications, can further reduce a person’s ability to drive safely.

Alcohol and driving

We all know that alcohol can seriously impair your ability to drive and can lead to deadly consequences. And combined with medication, it can become an even more dangerous cocktail. The only safe practice is to avoid alcohol completely if you plan to drive and to refuse to drive with anyone who has been drinking.

What can you do?

This is an area where you have a great deal of control in ensuring your own safety on the road.

  • Avoid alcohol completely if you plan to drive and refuse to drive with anyone who has been drinking.
  • Ensure that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any effects your medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) can have on your driving. If you are seeing a number of different doctors, it is wise to take all of your medications with you when you visit your doctor.
  • Read all of the labels and information sheets that come with your medications. Remember that combinations of medications can magnify their effects well beyond the individual warnings for each medication.

Concerned about your older parent?

Here are some tips for those who are concerned about medication use and an older person’s driving:

  • Check for duplication of medications, poor instructions or outdated medications.
  • Ensure that your parent takes all of their medications (in the original bottles) with them when they visit their doctor — particularly if they see more than one doctor.
  • Talk to their pharmacist or physician about possible interactions. Don’t forget to include the over-the-counter medications that are also being taken.
  • Ensure that bottled medications are easy to open or that they are organized into a multi-day dose or blister-pack from the pharmacist.
  • Pay attention to your parent’s driving. Go for a ride. It is the best way to find out if a person is having problems driving safely. This is especially important when new medications are prescribed.
  • Review our tips for communicating with an older driver.
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