Information on driving whilst
taking strong painkillers
Patient Information
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JB
PC 007
1
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
June 2015
June 2017
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
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Introduction
This leaflet gives information and advice for people who are taking strong painkillers and wish
to drive.
What are strong painkillers?
There are a number of strong painkillers available. Strong painkillers commonly prescribed
include:
Morphine: Oramorph, Sevredol, MST, Zomorph
Oxycodone: Oxynorm, Oxycontin
Fentanyl: patches, tablets to dissolve in the mouth, nasal spray
Buprenorphine: Butrans or Transtec patches
Hydromorphone: Palladone
Aims
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To enable the person who is taking strong painkillers to be able to continue to drive
safely.
To be aware of the side effects of strong painkillers and their effects on driving so you
can identify when it is not safe to drive.
To be aware of current UK law and DVLA Guidance on driving whilst taking strong
painkillers.
How will strong painkillers affect me?
Strong painkillers can affect each person in a different way. They may make you drowsy
(sleepy) which can cause you to react slower than usual. These effects can be made worse if
you are also taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness. Drinking alcohol whilst taking
strong painkillers can also make you more drowsy.
Advice on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
You should not drive for at least five days when you first start taking strong painkillers, or if
you are changing the dose of strong painkillers. This gives time to ensure that you are not
experiencing side effects which might affect your ability to drive safely.
In addition you must not drive:
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If you feel drowsy, dizzy, unable to concentrate or make decisions, or if you have
blurred or double vision
If you have drunk alcohol
If you have taken extra doses of strong painkillers
If you start taking other drugs prescribed by your doctor or bought from a chemist that
may cause drowsiness, for example some hay fever medicines
After taking strong drugs which have not been prescribed by your doctor, for example
cannabis
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
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
In any other circumstances which would make you less able to make an emergency
stop with your vehicle
When can I start driving again after starting strong opioids or a change in
the dose?
If you are not drowsy after you have been taking your strong painkillers for five days you can
start driving again. Your first trip should be:
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Short
On roads that you are used to
At a time when the traffic is not too busy
You may also find it helps to have an experienced driver with you to begin with in case you
cannot finish your journey.
Do I need to inform the Drivers Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if I am
taking strong painkillers?
No, you do not need to inform the DVLA that you are taking strong painkillers. However, there
may be other information about your illness that the DVLA should know. Your doctor, nurse
specialist or the DVLA can give you more advice about this.
Contact details for the DVLA are:
Online: www.dvla.gov.uk. You will need to know your driving licence number when you
contact them.
Telephone: 0300 790 6806
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday, 8:00am to 1:00pm
Fax: 0845 850 0095
Or write to: Drivers Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU
What about my car insurance company?
You should tell your motor insurance company about your current state of health, and what
medication you are taking. Each insurance company is different, but your insurance may not
be valid if you do not do this.
What does the law say about driving whilst taking strong painkillers?
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A new law on driving after taking certain drugs (including some medicines) came into
force in March 2015.
This law states that it is an offence to drive with certain drugs above specified levels in
the body, whether your driving is impaired or not.
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
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It is not against the law to drive whilst being on a strong painkiller as long as:
1. The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical problem (it is therefore
worthwhile carrying a copy of your prescription and/or the original box/packaging
with you, so that traffic police can verify your prescription).
2. You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or the
information provided with the medicine.
3. It is not affecting your ability to drive safely.
The list of drugs covered by the new law also includes certain medicines used to treat anxiety
or inability to sleep (e.g. diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, temazepam).
What will happen if I’m stopped by the police?
The police may use a roadside test to see if you have taken any of the drugs - currently
devices can only detect cannabis and cocaine. If the test detects any relevant drugs, or they
suspect you to be under the influence of drugs, the type and level of the drugs in your body
can be confirmed by a blood test taken at the police station. There is a medical defence that
can be raised for the new offence if drivers are taking medication as directed and found
to be over the limit and not impaired. Drivers taking relevant medicines may choose to
have evidence with them when driving to indicate that they have been legitimately supplied
and minimise inconvenience.
The medical defence states that you are not guilty if:
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The medicine was prescribed, supplied, or sold to you to treat a medical or dental
problem.
You took the medicine according to the instructions given by the prescriber, a
pharmacist or a member of the pharmacy team or the information provided with the
medicine.
It will remain an offence to drive while your ability is impaired and, if in doubt, you
should not drive.
For further information on this new law, go to www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
If you require further information please speak with your specialist nurse GP or hospital
consultant.
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
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Comments, Compliments or Complaints
The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides
confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and
carers.
Contact Us
Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)
The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN
In addition to the Patient Relations/PALS Service, you can contact HELPline on 01942 822111.
This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request.
For more information call 01942 773106.
© Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner
Information on driving whilst taking strong painkillers
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