Following news that Tiger Woods was carrying two hydrocodone pills—which are commonly prescribed for pain—when he was interviewed at the scene of a car crash last week, below are the categories of medications, published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that could lead to disqualification if taken while driving.
The golfer was charged with driving under the influence following a crash on Friday, according to Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Court records show that Woods entered a not guilty plea.
Why Some Medications Affect Driving
According to the FDA, while most medications don’t affect a person’s ability to drive, a wide range of commonly used prescription and over‑the‑counter drugs can interfere with alertness, coordination, and reaction time—increasing the risk of crashes and, in some cases, disqualification or arrest if taken before or during driving.
The FDA warns that certain medications can cause side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, slowed or uncoordinated movement, fainting, nausea, excitability, or difficulty concentrating—effects that can make it unsafe to drive. In some cases, these effects happen shortly after a dose; in others, impairment can last for several hours or even into the next day.
Importantly, side effects aren’t limited to prescription drugs alone. Many over‑the‑counter cold, allergy, and sleep remedies contain ingredients that can affect driving ability, particularly if they are combined with other medications or alcohol, the FDA warns.
Medications That May Lead to Dangerous Driving and Disqualification
The FDA identifies several categories of prescribed medications that may make driving dangerous. These include some:
Opioid pain relievers—such as those containing codeine or hydrocodone—can cause drowsiness and slower reaction times. Prescription medicines used to treat anxiety, including benzodiazepines, are also flagged due to their sedative effects. Sleep medications; muscle relaxants; antipsychotic medicines, and antiseizure drugs, all of which may reduce alertness or coordination.Some antidepressants are also listed, particularly during the early stages of treatment or after dosage changes.
Some over‑the‑counter products that can pose risks include certain antihistamines, commonly found in allergy and cold remedies, nighttime sleep aids, motion sickness medications, and cough syrups, which can induce sleepiness or slow down cognitive function.
The FDA also cautions that taking specific stimulants—including diet pills, “stay awake” drugs, and medications containing caffeine, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine—can unpredictably affect focus and coordination.
Cannabis-Derived Products and Next‑Day Effects
The FDA further warns that products containing cannabis or cannabis‑derived compounds, including cannabidiol, may impair driving by causing sleepiness and altered alertness, even when users do not feel overtly intoxicated.
Sleep medications present an additional risk. Some drugs prescribed for insomnia can impair driving the following morning, particularly if higher doses are taken or when they are combined with other sedating substances.
Legal Consequences and Safety Advice
While driving laws vary by state, the FDA notes that operating a vehicle while impaired by medication—prescription or over‑the‑counter—can have similar legal consequences to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drivers should read warning labels carefully, avoid mixing medications without medical advice, and speak with a doctor or pharmacist before driving.
“Knowing how your medicines—or any combination of them—affect your ability to drive is an important safety measure,” the FDA says, advising patients to seek professional guidance if they are concerned that their medication might be affecting their ability to drive.