Controlled Drugs - Driving

Question 1

Give e.g. of CDs that can impair driving. (2)

Answer 1

Commonly abused drugs (e.g. cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, ketamine, MDMA.) - low limit set.

Licensed medicines that can be abused - higher limit set. Flunitrazepam, Clonazepam, Oxazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam, Methadone, Morphine.)

The higher limit is generally set above the normal therapeutic range.

Question 2

Explain the main features of using drugs and driving. (5)

Answer 2

If patients are taking these medicines legally then they can use medical defence if:
- The drug(s) were lawfully Rx, supplied or purchased OTC for medical/dental purposes and
- Taken in accordance with advice by the prescriber/supplier and in accordance with any accompanying written instruction.

Counselling:
- Warn about driving (especially if medicine is newly Rx or dose increased)
- Advice px to carry evidence that they’re Rx the drug (e.g. repeat Rx slip, labelled bottle)
- Avoid alcohol.

Pharmacists need to be alert for new drugs (can increase its serum levels if interaction is evident.)