Please can i have advice

I dont take v strong painkillers as citalopram works for me, but I have informed DVLA that I am diabetic and also re mild epilepsy and both times have had a letter back advising that im ok to drive. You should inform them, in all likelihood they won't stop you driving.

I was convinced both times i wrote that i would be stopped from driving, it helped speaking to my consultant re the epilepsy as he told me in advance that I wouldnt be stopped from driving, so maybe review your meds with your doctor or consultant,( if everyone on Prozac was stopped from driving there wouldnt be any traffic on the road!) He might suggest taking things at different times etc but he/she should know if theres likely to be a problem with the DVLA. xx 

I keep my strong pain killer for when nite & use my zapain & ibruprofen for work but my tramadols when home ... I havnt told my insurance didn't know I had to??? But I've had to change to an automatic car (about 8 years now) find it easier cos don't have to worry about clutch control xx

This is the guidance;

A new offence of driving with certain specified controlled drugs1 in excess of specified levels in the body is expected to come into force on 2 March 20152. This offence is an addition to the existing rules on drug impaired driving and fitness to drive. The legislation also provides for a statutory "medical defence" for this new offence, for patients taking their medicines in accordance with instructions.

In line with current professional practice, healthcare professionals prescribing or supplying medicines take account of the risks of medicines (such as whether a patient’s driving may be impaired by their medicines) and advise accordingly. This clinical practice has not changed. However, healthcare professionals are likely to want to be able to explain the new rules concerning this offence to patients.

So its saying that you are ok if you are taking the drugs as prescribed and its down to your doctor to advise you on this.

Also  it only affects these drugs;Cannabis (THC)* Cocaine (and a cocaine metabolite, BZE)

MDMA (Ecstasy) Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Ketamine Heroin/diamorphine metabolite (6-MAM)

Methylamphetamine

Clonazepam Flunitrazepam** Oxazepam

Diazepam Lorazepam Temazepam

**No longer licenced in the UK

Plus:

Methadone Morphine Amphetamine***

A patient who was investigated for drug driving would generally be entitled to raise the statutory "medical defence" if:

a. The drug was lawfully prescribed, supplied, or purchased over-the-counter, for medical or dental purposes; and

b. The drug was taken in accordance with advice given by the person who prescribed or supplied the drug, and in accordance with any accompanying written instructions (so far as the latter are consistent with any advice of the prescriber).

So, I think we're covered

Thanks for information Carineta 👍👍👍xx

No I can breath again.  The last 2 years have been a roller coaster of am I allowed to drive or not?  Living semi-rural with 2 kids under 10 my licence is so important to me.  I was starting to think I might have to stop the pain killers and go back to living in constant pain, in order that I can keep my licence.

Big recommendation for Automatic cars!  It is so less draining on us physically and mentally.

Thanks for keeping us informed trish

Hi..I still drive, and I take Oramorph. Wonder if the new law will include this!