There are two primary legal justifications for driving under the influence (DUI) charges under state law. The first is an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Individuals who fail chemical testing may be subject to arrest and prosecution.
The other main reason for a drunk driving charge is an allegation of unsafe and impaired driving. Even if a motorist is below the legal limit, if they swerve all over the road and otherwise struggle to safely operate their vehicle, they could be at risk of an impaired driving charge.
Sometimes, the medications that people use may put them at increased risk of a DUI charge because the medication has a synergistic effect with alcohol. While it may not increase their BAC test results, the medication that they take can produce a heightened sense of impairment that can lead to a targeted traffic stop or even a preventable motor vehicle collision.
What types of medication may increase the risk of impaired driving allegations after consuming alcohol?
Opioids and muscle relaxants
Medications intended to relax muscles or control pain tend to interact strongly with alcohol. In fact, many of them come with warning labels instructing people not to consume alcohol at the same time that they use the medication. Even a single drink could be enough to leave someone in an impaired state if they are on these powerful medications.
Antihistamines
People dealing with allergies take antihistamine medications to control their physical reactions to triggering allergens. Unfortunately, their medications may leave them unusually impaired after enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Benzodiazepines
As a general rule, people who require psychiatric medication typically should not use alcohol or other depressants simultaneously. Certain types of medications are particularly risky when combined with alcohol. Benzodiazepines, which are a class of psychiatric medications that includes Xanax, Valium and Klonopin, can cause significant impairment when combined with alcohol. Individuals who might be well under the BAC limits given their age and license type could still be vulnerable to DUI charges because of how their medications interact with the alcohol that they consume.
Discussing any unique circumstances that may have been in play at the time of a DUI arrest with a skilled legal team can help people develop effective defense strategies. People who are aware of factors that might increase their risk can make more informed decisions to protect themselves by avoiding dangerous drug combinations before driving.
