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These Five Prescription Drugs Lead to DUI Charges More Often Than You May Think

While most people associate the acronym DUI with driving under the influence of alcohol there are actually several types of DUI charges, including DUI of drugs. What’s worse, many people who take legal prescription drugs have no idea that those drugs could be impairing their ability to drive enough to result in criminal charges. Keep reading to learn about the five most common prescription drugs to cause this issue and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

These Are the Drugs that Most Commonly Lead to DUI Charges

The prescription drugs that people are most often for committing DUIs while under the influence of are Adderall, Clarinex, Xanax, Ambien, and Vicodin. These can all cause a driver to be under the influence and legally unable to drive safely. None of these involve alcohol but can significantly impair a person’s ability to drive and lead to a DUI charge.

  1.  Adderall
  2. Adderall, as well as other ADHD drugs, can cause DUIs because they change how a person experiences fatigue. The drugs work to keep people focused and attentive by stimulating a person’s central nervous system. The effects fade after about six hours, at which point the person can “crash” and suddenly become very tired. This can have a big impact on their ability to drive.

  3. Xanax
  4. Xanax can make people feel sedated, as can other anti-anxiety medications. They work the opposite of the way Adderall works – they depress the central nervous system and help people feel calm and relaxed. A person can feel so relaxed that they have no ability to notice dangers and react to them – thus making them unsafe to drive.

  5. Ambien
  6. Used as a sleeping pill, Ambien causes drowsiness by slowing activity in the nervous system. Even after a person wakes up from a sound night of sleep on this or other sleeping pills, they can experience after-effects that make it difficult for them to drive safely.

  7. Vicodin
  8. Strong painkillers like Vicodin, Perocen, Oxycodone, and Roxiprin can all leave users dizzy, drowsy, and lightheaded – none of which are ideal for driving.

  9. Clarinex
  10. Many people are surprised to learn that allergy medications such as Clarinex, Allegra, Claritin, and Benadryl contain antihistamine, which can make people extremely drowsy. This can make them unsafe to drive and lead to a DUI.

If you have been accused of a DUI for driving while taking a prescription medication, there are legal options available to you. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today and let us help you find the best way forward.