Insurance experts warn that drivers taking common medications including painkillers and antidepressants may be told to avoid drivingSam Dimmer East Midlands Head of Brand and Luke Chillingsworth
06:27, 26 Jan 2026
Road users could become drowsy behind the wheel if using certain drugs(Image: Getty)
The DVLA may advise drivers to “avoid driving” if they’re frequently taking certain common medicines, according to industry specialists.
Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk, cautioned that everyday over-the-counter treatments such as painkillers could pose issues.
Additionally, regular use of potent medications, including antidepressants, could place individuals at risk while operating a vehicle.
Greg warned that in such situations, motorists are likely to be advised against driving, effectively preventing them from using the roads.
Greg acknowledged: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving.
“Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”
GOV.UK has previously cautioned that prescription medicines can occasionally be equally hazardous as illegal substances.
They encouraged motorists taking drugs such as amphetamine, for instance, dextroamphetamine or selegiline, to consult their GP before taking to the road.
Those prescribed clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam and lorazepam may also face risks when driving. Officials have additionally highlighted medications such as methadone, reports the Express.
Morphine, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl, oxazepam or temazepam are also of concern.
GOV.UK clarified: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
“It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”
The AA has previously advised motorists to never cease taking their medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Should individuals have doubts about their fitness to drive, they should always consult with a chemist or GP and heed the guidance of medical professionals.
The AA outlined that for therapeutic drugs, the thresholds are set above typical prescribed amounts, meaning drivers should generally be able to operate vehicles normally.
They noted that a medical defence exists for those taking medication as instructed who are subsequently found to exceed the limit.
Nevertheless, road users face difficulties defending themselves when caught driving whilst under the influence.