Medications And Safe Driving | Video

Jenny Castro | 9/13/2012

If you`re over the age of 65 and taking any medications, it`s worthwhile to make sure it doesn`t effect your driving. It sounds like a given, but only about half of older adults actually talk to a professional about issues related to driving.

Now, there is a new online source that does just that.

Between over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal supplements, it`s becoming more and more common for older adults to take five or more medications, and it can be a lot to keep track of.

"It`s very much advised to keep in constant control and educated about what types of medications they`ve taken and for what indications. And then if they do have questions, they should definitely talk to their physician or pharmacist about any kind of side effect,” said Carolyn Seehafer, Director of Pharmacy at Trinity Health.

When it comes to driving, not all older adults are completely certain that their various medications are safe to be using.

"When they`re taking multiple medications there may be some interactions that could potentiate the side effects of medications so that`s where it gets really tricky, they need to be in constant control and educated about these potential interactions,” said Seehafer.

The best thing is to consult a physician or pharmacist, but a quicker solution is also online. AAA has created a website called Roadwise Rx, where you can type in your medications and see right away if you`re in the clear.

You might find out that you`re not as safe as you thought behind the wheel.

"The dizziness, drowsiness, any kind of confusion, they kind of talk about hallucinations as being another potential side effect that could be associated with affecting a person`s driving,” said Seehafer.

With over 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, taking a few clicks to monitor medications could spare some accidents on the roads.

That website again is www.roadwiserx.com and it also includes information on drug interactions, food interactions, and further medication guidelines.

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