Hi I guess Im hoping to find out that it is ok to drive on the meds I am taking . Seems like alot of people on here are driving. I was told by my forensic psychatrist not to drive. But Im going insane having to wait and beg people to go to the store for me etc.
I take high doses of opana and oxcodone for my pain but have been on this level of meds for 3 years now. Any opinions or knowledge about what is legal ? thanks so much , CZ

I don't know the laws of all states... but, I know where I live that if stopped by police and they suspect a person is under the influence of anything and no alcohol is detected... the officer will request a blood test...if found with any narcotic in your system while driving there is a HUGE chance of being charged with driving under the influence.

I understand that you are used to these medicines and the levels of meds that you are on....but it doesn't mean that they wouldn't impair your driving. That's a chance "I" wouldn't take...

I do understand the frustration of having to wait for someone...no fun. Been there...doing that.

You can always contact your local police department... i'm sure they would be able to let you know the laws for your area....


Abbie

I also am taking the Opana ER and reg Opana, along with cymbalta. I don't drive, but I really want to. In fact, I was going to drive myself to the spca to volunteer for my day. I think I know in the back of my head that it's not a good idea. that's why I haven't done my required time yet. I'll be interested in what others are doing.

Hugs
Mary

Hi,

My husband does most of the driving for me. But if I know I need to drive myself to an appt. or some where else I will not take my meds until I get home. If a police officer suspects I am driving under the influence and I have to get a blood test and it comes back I think at a certain level, I would get a DUI. In my opinion the risk is not worth it to drive under certain prescriptions medications.

Kate

My boyfriend is the one with the RSD and he insists on driving all of the time...This is a constant battle in our house. He says driving makes him forget about the pain and there is no way he will let me drive. I think he is on way to many medications to take the chance of driving with my 15 month old and 3 year old in the car when i could easily drive. Also his RSD is in his right foot so he is driving all the time with his left foot only and it scares the crap out of me...
He just got prescribed for the first time Opana ER today and will have it filled tomorrow for a replacement to his methodone. Should I be even more concerned with him on this drug now?? He insists his doctors told him its ok to drive(on his previous medications for the past year) and he drives himself to all of his appointments and always has but I just don't understand why he insists on driving when we go out as a family....

I am able to drive; I just rarely drive. I am on Opana, and 20 other meds..noway should I be driving. My atty. told me NOT to drive. If I got stopped, and test were done..or the police saw what I was carrying in my purse, I would be charged with driving under the influence.

Better safe than sorry..Don't drive. You could hurt yourself, not to mention,others.

Hi there,

When I have lidocaine infusions regularly I don't have to take many medications so I am basically able to drive on most days. There are days when my rsd pain/brain connections get jumbled up and my responses are not as quick as I think they should be so I won't drive.

I've been away traveling and yes I did rent a car for some of my travels.
I'm back home now, arrived yesterday and somewhat flared up from flying and from all my extra activities over the past month. Today I need to take my Oxycontin but I waited until I got my driving errands done first.

I can't get in for a lidocaine appointment until the end of the month so I will have to pace myself, plan my days and medications so I can manage it all.

Being able to keep on driving is very important for me. We don't have public transport close to us here so I will be stuck without it. It is one of my motivating issues to keep this beast at bay as best as I can.

I find when I'm driving it keeps me focused on something other than my pain, a distraction for me.

MsL

I'm sorry, I wish I recalled exactly where I read this. Maybe from rsdsa.org emails, or ChronicPainConnection.xxx? emails.

But, the rule is this;
If you doctor "Tells you not to drive" that will appear in his notes.
If you mess up, (hurt someone) and lawyers get involved, this becomes "discoverable".
YOU will be liable.
And, best read your insurance policy, they may not cover you!

This, is for the good of all of us, and our children's children!
It's NOT to take our rights away!

Driving a vehicle, is a "Privilege", NOT a right!

Use it wisely.

Pete
ASB

i drive am are allowed to drive per doctor because the meds that i take dont have that loopy effect.

carrie

I think you need to discuss with doctor what reactions you have to your medicines and make a decision together. I've had to drive ever since I got off the crutches following my accident and I can't tell you how many red lights I've driven through thinking they were stop signs. Got better after changed and eliminated some of my medications, but I try to take back roads, leave work early if it's raining. The thought of an accident is totally frightening. Hate to admit it but just last week I hit a neighbor's mailbox going to the convenience store after taking my night medications. No damage to the mailbox but I had to get a new right passenger rear view mirror. Lynnie ONE MOMENT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING!