Parkinson's medication and driving

Parkinson's drugs and excessive sleepiness

Some Parkinson’s drugs can make you very sleepy. Sometimes this happens suddenly and without warning. This may be more likely in people with advanced Parkinson’s who are taking multiple medications or are increasing their medication, particularly dopamine agonists.

Although this can be worrying, taking Parkinson’s drugs shouldn’t automatically mean you’ll have to stop driving. But if you experience any sudden or excessive daytime sleepiness, you shouldn’t drive and tell your GP, specialist, or Parkinson’s nurse.

Drugs and driving: the law

It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive if you’re unfit to do so because you’re taking legal drugs.

Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

While the drugs listed under this law aren’t Parkinson’s-specific medication, you may be prescribed them to treat symptoms linked with your condition, such as anxiety, or for other health problems.

• amphetamine (such as selegiline) 
• clonazepam (a drug commonly prescribed for people who have restless legs syndrome)
• diazepam
• flunitrazepam
• lorazepam
• methadone
• morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs
• oxazepam
• temazepam

You can drive after taking these drugs if:

• you've been prescribed them and advised how to take them by a healthcare professional
• they aren’t making you unfit to drive, even if you’re above the specified limits

You could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of these drugs in your body and you haven’t been prescribed them.

The law doesn’t cover Northern Ireland, but you could still be arrested if you’re unfit to drive. Talk to your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse if you have any concerns.

You may find it useful to carry a copy of your prescription with you when you’re driving, just in case you’re stopped for any reason or are involved in a traffic incident.