Recent epidemiological surveys clearly indicate the increased accident rates for patients using origin classes of psychoactive medicines who drive their motor vehicle. It is very unclear how physicians who prescribe and pharmacists who dispense psychotropic medicines inform their patients about the effects of medication on their driving ability. But physicians are responsible for informing their patients whether a danger to driving performance exists after using the medicine. Pharmacists are responsible for confirming that patients are informed and understand the necessary information before dispensing. Most western laws hold the patient primarily responsible for any accident under the influence of prescribed medication. The present system for informing patients by package inserts and labels does not seem to influence behaviour of patients who drive. This paper will summarize the knowledge on medicine use and increased risk of causing accidents in combination with recommendations addressed to physicians and pharmacists for minimizing that risk. For different widely prescribed groups of drugs decision support tables will be presented in order to improve prescribing and dispensing practices. (A)
Abstract