Migraines & Driving Don't Mix

I can barely walk when I have a migraine let alone drive. My family moans and groans if they have to pick me up from somewhere when I get an attack, but the fact remains they would rather I call then attempt to drive with a migraine. My vision gets blurred and the pounding in my head is such a distraction. I am positive I could be as bad as a drunk driver at times.

 

This is a great article to share in case others never thought about the consequences of driving with a migraine. Thank you for the valuable information!

I don't believe that anyone's license to drive priviledges should be taken away because they get migraines.  I get migraines, and have other health problems and most if not all of your medications (including blood pressure) caution about driving until you know the effects of the medicine.  There would not be very many people driving anymore if they passed laws because of medical conditions.  But, I do agree that if a migraine impairs you to the point that you can not safely drive, call someone to come and get you!

very informative.  i am always hesitant driving with a migraine or while taking migraine medications and it is not always avoidable.  definately some thought provoking information!

Hi,

Your articale on medication and migranes just through me, I had no idea we would be judged as being under the influence. It does make since, though, but  I have to wonder about the people who take anti-depressents for migranes and for depression. My question is, what about all of the people out there that are taking these prescriptions for depression? Are they to be judged as well as us? 

 

Just me,

making a statement,

with lots of love to all,

Nanc

9/03/09

This is so true. I tried my best to go home "before" taking my abortive meds when I was taking the Triptans. That was primarily because of the side effects. There were a handful of times when I did have to, and it was not a wise thing to do. I was fortunate that nothing happened, but I did notice that my reaction times were significantly slowed and there were some close calls. My last visit to the ER in July where I was treated for Migraine I was given Compazine & Benadryl. Although I was seeing double, I was discharged with no instruction/restriction on how I was to get home or to my car. It was still at work a few blocks away. I actually started to walk to the car, but soon discovered it was not the safe thing to do. I managed to stumble back into the ER waiting room. I called a friend who picked me up and several hours later we went back to pick the car up. He followed me home.

Thanks for the article, Megan.

 

I do have backup drivers when I need them.  Fortunately I do not work very far away and it's in a straight shot down the road.  My only problem is, I have tended to run red lights without even noticing them during an attack.

 

I'm super paranoid while driving anymore, so I tend to stay more alert...I try to take my meds around my work schedule and if it's terrible I won't even go in anymore.  I only drive to work or to my mom's when I am feeling OK.  I'd have to say I never was a great driver, but my ability has really tanked over the past few years.  I'm considering going for disability tags.

 

My lastest adventure involved driving over a sidewalk at a local gas station.  Who knew a little Civic could get up and over that concrete barrier?  Well, now I do.  I am lucky no one was out and about at that moment.  Thank God.  And people wonder why I don't leave my house!

 

I just ordered bumper stickers from Teri's shop, so at least people will have a warning.  I already have a bumper sticker that says "I have no idea where I am going," but maybe people will stay away.

 

So, it is very dangerous to drive whether with a migraine or on meds...I'd mention also that all medications you take with you need to be kept in their original bottles, just in case you are pulled over the police will know they are your medications and not illegal.  It may differ from state to state but here in Mo we can't even put aspirin in a bottle that isn't labeled "aspirin".  A small precaution, but a worthwhile one.

I absolutely agree with Megan. I had some "close calls" before I realised not just the meds, but the migraine aura's and migraines themselves were enough to impair my judgement and skills. I am frightened for some friends and relatives who do not suscribe to this, and think they are clinging to their independence by driving anyway.  I am going to forward your articles to them. Thank you!

I always worry about the chance of being charged with DWI if I am in an accident, because the medicine stays in your system for a while. So, I wonder if they can tell how long ago you took it. I try not to take many meds if I have to drive and would NEVER even try to drive home from the ER, but I do take meds frequently. I have had a lot today. I just asked DH if he thought after taking narcotic pain meds tonight, then driving tomorrow morning, after they had worn off, but are still in my system, and I got into an accident, did he think I would be charged, he thinks yes. Which is unfair. After sleeping them off, they would no longer be effecting me, but still in my system, what do you guys think? I  am in GA, and they are DWI hungry, especially in the county I live in. I really do not drive that much anymore since my migraines have transformed. I may drive to town once a week, which is just a few miles, to shop for groceries, or get my meds, but do not drive long distances very often. My mom usually is on call on days I have to go to the DR, which is a 45 minute drive. And either her or DH take me to the ER on the rare occasion I have to go. I have had to pull over and have DH come get me, but not often. It's just one more thing for him to have to do for me, and I still have not learned not to feel guilty for all he does and all I DO NOT do because of this stupid disease.