Citation

Ray WA, Gurwitz J, Decker MD, Kennedy DL. Hum. Factors 1992; 34(1): 33-47; discussion 49-51.

Affiliation

Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1577502

Abstract

Medications with central nervous system (CNS) effects, including benzodiazepines, cyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, and hypoglycemics, have been thought to have the potential to impair driving. These drugs impair performance in younger drivers and some have been linked to an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Even though persons 65 years of age and older frequently take these drugs and are more susceptible to CNS effects, no direct data exist regarding whether or not medications adversely affect driving safety in this population. Thus there is an urgent need for further research in this area.