Colombians have been learning to know the seriousness of driving under the influence of alcohol. But, how many drivers of cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and even industrial machinery drive under the influence of drugs, often self-prescribed?
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The answer to this question is a mystery. People are unaware of the side effects of some medications that are frequently used for colds or flu and that are sold without a prescription.
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Or even those that produce medicines to treat diseases such as hypertension. It is also common for many patients to leave an outpatient procedure under the influence of medication directly to drive home.
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Medications can cause anxiety.
Treatment with certain drugs can cause adverse effects, which decrease or alter the ability to drive, especially psychotropic agents (benzodiazepines) that are used as tranquilizers, and antihistamines to treat allergies.
In Spain, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) detected that 6 of the 15 best-selling drugs in Spain (Metamizole sodium, Lorazepam, Metformin, Tramadol, Alprazolam and Lormetazepam) arises from the ability to drive safely.
Some of these drugs are also used in Colombia, but most driver patients are unaware of their potential risk. Hence the importance of knowing the medication and its effects very well, especially if you frequently use your vehicle.
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The effects on driving are: Drowsiness and/or sedative effect, reduction of reflexes and increase in reaction time, prognosis of the perception of distances, hyperactivity and main hyperreactivity, decreased visual or auditory capacity, loss of motor coordination, spasms and other alterations at the muscular or neuromuscular level. Confusion, lightheadedness, hallucinations, or behavior changes.
Do not drive if you feel or notice blurred or double vision, difficulty concentrating or staying alert, surprise at normal traffic events (sudden braking, last-minute traffic light change). Difficulty remembering how you got to your destinationDifficulty maintaining a straight trajectory, frequent invasions of the opposite road or driving in the center of the road.
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