Strong painkillers and driving

Advice on driving when taking a strong painkiller

You may have noticed that the label on your painkiller medication says 'May cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.' If you are someone who drives, you may be wondering if it is safe for you to drive. The information in this leaflet will help you to decide.

How painkillers affect people

Strong painkillers affect each person in a different way. Strong painkillers make some people drowsy and reactions can be slower than usual. This may be worse if you take other medicines that cause drowsiness or if you drink alcohol.

Strong painkillers commonly prescribed by doctors include Oramorph, MST, Oxynorm, Fentanyl, Oxycontin.

Advice on driving whilst taking strong painkillers

• When you first start your medicine you may feel drowsy. In most people this side effect only lasts for a few days. When you no longer feel drowsy you should be able to drive again. When you first start driving again you may find it sensible to make your first trip short, on roads you are familiar with and at a time when the traffic is not busy.
• If your dose of medication is increased you may again feel drowsy. You must wait until this side effect has passed before driving.
• Do not drive soon after taking a breakthrough dose of strong painkiller if taking this has made you drowsy. It is advisable to wait three hours and then assess whether you feel fit to drive.
• You must not drive after drinking alcohol or taking strong drugs which have not been prescribed or recommended by your doctor, e.g. cannabis.

Drivers Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

You do not have to inform the DVLA that you are starting a strong painkiller. However, there may be other information about your illness that the DVLA needs to know. Your doctors or the DVLA can advise you about this.

How to contact the DVLA

Telephone number for drivers enquiries - 0870 240 0009

Please have your driving licence number available.

Webside - www.dvla.gov.uk

Address:
Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Longview Road
Morriston
Swansea
SA99 8QD

Car Insurance

You may need to inform your motor insurance company about your current state of health and what medication you are taking. Each insurance company is different. It is best to discuss your circumstances with your insurance company to be sure that you are covered.

A member of the Specialist Palliative Care Team or your GP will be happy to help you decide when it is safe to drive.

Reference

Pease N, Taylor H, Major H
Driving advice for palliative care patients taking strong opioid medication
Palliative Medicine 2004; 18: 663-665