Both the label and the Patient Information Leaflet will warn you about possible drowsiness. If so, it is important that you take the following precautions.

Do not drive in the following situations

• unless you feel 100 per cent safe to do so
• after starting or increasing the dose of any drug that may make you drowsy (whether prescribed for you or bought from a pharmacist). Wait until the drowsiness fully wears off (for painkillers this takes about five days, sometimes longer)
• after taking an extra/top-up dose of a medicine that may make you drowsy, for example for at least three hours after a top-up dose of morphine for pain
• if you feel drowsy or dizzy, or if your thinking, reactions, co-ordination or eyesight are impaired
• after drinking alcohol (even a small amount increases the effect of other drugs).

Restarting driving

You may try driving when you feel 100 per cent safe to do so and you no longer feel drowsy.

Begin by making a short trip:

• on roads that are quiet and familiar
• at a quiet time of day when the light is good
• with a companion who may take over driving if required.

If you and your companion are happy with your attentiveness, reactions and general ability, then you may start to drive.

Avoid driving long distances.

If in doubt, discuss with your doctor or other health professional.

Who to inform if you are planning to drive

• your doctor, who can warn you about medicines which might affect your general alertness or the speed of your reactions
• your insurance company, to be sure that you are covered (note: it may help if you send the company a copy of this leaflet)
• although you do not automatically need to inform the DVLA that you are taking regular painkillers, insurance companies generally advise this.

If in doubt, discuss with your doctor or the DVLA medical advisory helpline (0300 790 6806 and have your driving licence number ready).

If you are taking any of the following medicines, it is recommended that, when driving, you carry evidence to confirm that they have been prescribed for you, for example a repeat prescription together with your doctor’s contact details:

• benzodiazepines: clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam
• opioids: morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl patches, buprenorphine patches
• others: ketamine.

The police use roadside tests to look for illegal use of these medicines.

Carrying evidence that you are taking legitimately supplied medicines is not a legal requirement, but may minimise inconvenience if stopped.

Ensure you have a copy in your car of your repeat prescription or a letter confirming you have been prescribed these medications. A hospice or hospital discharge letter could be used.

It is a legal requirement that you are taking them as advised. Do not change the dose without first discussing it with your doctor or other health professional.