thedrifter
12-19-08, 08:09 AM
'Under the influence' in more than one way
Officials stress dangers of driving on prescription medication
Provost Marshals Office
Editor's Note: The following is the third article in a four-part series providing information on "Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Campaign," which is a Joint endeavor of the Council for Okinawa Protection and Police Services (COPPS, made up of the seven U.S. Forces and Japan Law Enforcement Agencies) along with III Marine Expeditionary Force Safety, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Safety, and Marine Corps Community Service.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (December 19, 2008) -- Driving under the influence usually makes us think of alcohol use. However, the use of prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs in combination with driving can be just as dangerous. Mixing these drugs with alcohol significantly increases the risk of an accident while driving.
Health care providers commonly prescribe painkillers. These medicines are usually narcotics containing morphine-like drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Percocet and Vicodin are some common brand name narcotics.
Narcotics can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness and slow reaction time. Codeine, while a narcotic and pain killer, is sometimes also prescribed as a cough suppressant. It has the same side effects when used for either indication. Operating a motor vehicle while taking these medicines is reckless and dangerous.
Cough and cold products, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, are among the most commonly used medicine. When prescribing a cough or cold medicine, a pharmacist or health care provider will inform you of all possible side effects and warn you not to drive while taking them. However, when you are buying over-the-counter medicines, there is usually no pharmacist readily available, so you must carefully read the warning labels.
These over-the-counter products can cause significant drowsiness and may also cause dizziness, changes in vision or confusion. Be sure to read the container carefully since products like Nyquil and Benadryl contain an antihistamine.
Illegal drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamines do not cause drowsiness, but have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Sometimes these drugs can severely impair judgment leading to dangerous driving decisions.
Agitation and nervousness are also common side effects that can affect driving ability.
Serving in Okinawa has special considerations for U. S. military personnel. The Japanese Government has different laws regarding the use and availability of drugs. Over-the-counter medications that are available at local pharmacies, may be illegal for purchase by U.S. military personnel. These items can be in pill, powder or syrup forms that contain a drug called dihydrocodone. This is a narcotic and has effects similar to those listed above under painkillers which can easily affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle.
Consumption of alcohol is certainly a hazard. Mixing alcohol with medication and illegal drugs is even more dangerous.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, visual changes and impaired judgment.
As mentioned above, many medicines can cause these same effects and compound the danger of driving. Your pharmacist and health care provider are always willing to answer any questions you may have. Above all, be safe, smart and informed about driving under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Ellie
Officials stress dangers of driving on prescription medication
Provost Marshals Office
Editor's Note: The following is the third article in a four-part series providing information on "Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Campaign," which is a Joint endeavor of the Council for Okinawa Protection and Police Services (COPPS, made up of the seven U.S. Forces and Japan Law Enforcement Agencies) along with III Marine Expeditionary Force Safety, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Safety, and Marine Corps Community Service.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (December 19, 2008) -- Driving under the influence usually makes us think of alcohol use. However, the use of prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs in combination with driving can be just as dangerous. Mixing these drugs with alcohol significantly increases the risk of an accident while driving.
Health care providers commonly prescribe painkillers. These medicines are usually narcotics containing morphine-like drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Percocet and Vicodin are some common brand name narcotics.
Narcotics can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness and slow reaction time. Codeine, while a narcotic and pain killer, is sometimes also prescribed as a cough suppressant. It has the same side effects when used for either indication. Operating a motor vehicle while taking these medicines is reckless and dangerous.
Cough and cold products, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, are among the most commonly used medicine. When prescribing a cough or cold medicine, a pharmacist or health care provider will inform you of all possible side effects and warn you not to drive while taking them. However, when you are buying over-the-counter medicines, there is usually no pharmacist readily available, so you must carefully read the warning labels.
These over-the-counter products can cause significant drowsiness and may also cause dizziness, changes in vision or confusion. Be sure to read the container carefully since products like Nyquil and Benadryl contain an antihistamine.
Illegal drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamines do not cause drowsiness, but have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Sometimes these drugs can severely impair judgment leading to dangerous driving decisions.
Agitation and nervousness are also common side effects that can affect driving ability.
Serving in Okinawa has special considerations for U. S. military personnel. The Japanese Government has different laws regarding the use and availability of drugs. Over-the-counter medications that are available at local pharmacies, may be illegal for purchase by U.S. military personnel. These items can be in pill, powder or syrup forms that contain a drug called dihydrocodone. This is a narcotic and has effects similar to those listed above under painkillers which can easily affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle.
Consumption of alcohol is certainly a hazard. Mixing alcohol with medication and illegal drugs is even more dangerous.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, visual changes and impaired judgment.
As mentioned above, many medicines can cause these same effects and compound the danger of driving. Your pharmacist and health care provider are always willing to answer any questions you may have. Above all, be safe, smart and informed about driving under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Ellie