Drivers warned to be aware of summer medications risk.Byline: Steve Hughes MOTORISTS could be putting themselves and others at risk by driving under the influence of hay fever hay fever, seasonal allergy causing inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. It is characterized by itching about the eyes and nose, sneezing, a profuse watery nasal discharge, and tearing of the eyes. and allergy medication, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. new research. Privilege Insurance says it has discovered that one in seven drivers suffer from hay fever or other allergies and almost half have driven whilst taking medication. Almost a fifth admit their driving has been affected as a result during the last 12 months. One in ten, which is the equivalent of 3.3 million drivers, lost concentration at the wheel due to an impaired reaction caused by illness or medication. Despite the side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. that medicines including hay fever remedies can have, a quarter of drivers admitted to rarely or never checking this before setting off and just under a quarter of drivers believed there was nothing wrong with driving while on any hay fever or allergy medication. However, eight in ten drivers would amend their behaviour if they discovered a hay fever medicine they were about to take might affect their driving, with a third holding off taking the medicine until after having driven and a quarter not driving at all. A Privilege medical spokesman says: says: "Certain types of drugs or even herbal supplements can affect a person's ability to drive safely and if they are combining several over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of the same ailment ail·ment n. A physical or mental disorder, especially a mild illness. , they could be very dangerous on the road. "It is important that drivers always read the label of any medication they plan to take - either prescribed by a doctor or from their local chemist - and discuss possible side effects with their pharmacist." Driving when affected by medicines may increase the risk of causing an accident, which could result in a motorist getting points on their licence or losing it. Possible side effects that may occur as a result of taking medication include: .. Feeling tired or lethargic .. Dizziness .. Blurry vision .. Nausea .. Inability to maintain attention span Motorists should pay particular attention to warning labels when taking medicines for the following complaints, as they may affect driving ability: .. Hay fever and allergies .. Coughs, colds and flu .. High blood pressure and heart conditions .. Depression and anxiety .. Arthritis .. Diabetes .. Pain - headaches, period pains period pains npl → dolores mpl de la regla or de la menstruación period pains npl (Brit) → douleurs menstruelles .. Epilepsy .. Sleep problems .. Travel sickness, nausea, vomiting |
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