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MEDICATIONS As we age, we need to pay special attention to the medicines we take. This is because: X The side effects from some medications (blurred vision, confusion, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, dizziness, or general muscle weakness) may gradually become more pronounced with age and could seriously affect our driving. X Our bodies tend to slow down as we become older, so it takes longer for the effects of medications to wear off after we have taken them. X Medications interact with each other. Over-the- counter medicines, including pain relievers like ibuprofen, supplements like vitamin C, and even herbal remedies like bee pollen, may have side effects when they interact with our prescription medications. The more medications we take, the greater the chance for interactions that may influence our driving. See Medication and Medical Conditions Action Sheet in Resources. Medication Tips X Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if any of the medications you are currently taking could affect your driving ability. X All medications (prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements) are potentially dangerous and all have possible side effects. X Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and read the patient insert that accompanies the medications. You can access a drug interaction checker on your smartphone. X Never take medications prescribed for another person. X Do not mix medications unless directed by your physician. X Take medication at the doses and times prescribed. X For any new medication, see how you react to it before attempting to drive; each person's reaction to any medication is unique. X Make sure to be free of harmful side effects before driving; plan other ways to get around. X Never take medicines past their expiration dates. X Never drink alcohol while on any medication without first consulting with your doctor. X Carry a list of your medications with you. A safe place to keep a list is on a smartphone app as first responders now treat phones as a "first place to look" for such information. www.aarp.org/drive Smart Driver Participant Guidebook 11 HOW DO WE NAVIGATE CHANGES? 2 1 2 3 4 5 6