How Long After Taking 5mg Diazepam Can You Drive? (3+ ADRs)

In this article, we will discuss how Diazepam influences your driving ability. Furthermore, we’ll explore the risks of driving under the influence of Diazepam and will offer insights on how an individual taking this medication can ensure safety on the road.

How long after taking 5mg Diazepam can you drive?

You should wait for at least 24 hours to drive after taking a 5mg dose of Diazepam. However, this is a conservative estimate and the effects of Diazepam on an individual’s ability to drive can vary based on factors like how the drug affects them personally, their tolerance to medication, rate of metabolism and overall health of a person.

Diazepam is an FDA-approved anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) medication. It may also be prescribed as a sedative, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs which exerts its effect by stimulating the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect on the central nervous system.

The most common side effects associated with Diazepam are drowsiness, dizziness and impaired motor coordination which is why it’s not advisable to drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of Diazpeman to prevent any accident.

How does Diazepam affect driving abilities?

Diazepam can have a significant impact on driving because of its sedative and CNT depressant effects. However, the intensity depends on the dosage strength and the person’s overall health. Here’s how Diazepam may affect your driving abilities:

Sedation and Drowsiness: Diazepam is thought to have a sedative effect on the central nervous system because of how it works and this may lead to drowsiness and fatigue. It can influence a person’s ability to focus while driving.

Impaired coordination: Benzodiazepines including Diazepam can cause muscle relaxation which may influence the motor coordination of a person and impact overall concentration and focus. This can affect fine motor skills which are necessary to perform tasks such as steering and operating vehicle control while driving.

Slowed reaction time: The sedative effects of Diazepam can slow down your reaction time and reflexes. Quick decision-making and the ability to respond rapidly to unexpected situations while driving may be compromised.

Decreased alertness: This medication can lead to a general decrease in alertness due to calming effects on the CNS, making it more challenging to remain vigilant and aware of the surroundings while driving.

Increased risk of accidents: Due to the combination of sedation, impaired motor coordination and slowed reaction times, individuals taking Diazepam are at an increased risk of accidents and decreased driving performance.

What does research suggest?

According to a research study, scientists conducted a clinical trial on 34 individuals who had never taken Diazepam before. They wanted to determine the effects of a single 5mg dose of Diazepam on the psychomotor performance of people. (3)

They randomly gave 5mg of Diazepam to half and a placebo (fake pill) to the other half without them knowing what medication they were being given. After 2.5 hours (160 minutes) of giving them Diazepam, the researchers observed their motor skills, reaction time and alertness by engaging them in different sets of activities. (3)

They found out that the effects of Diazepam were at their peak after 60 minutes of its ingestion. They further concluded that a 5mg dose of Diazepam had moderate effects on people’s driving abilities after 1 hour and their vigilance and psychomotor processing speed were more affected compared to their sensory reaction time. (3)

Based on this study, the researchers suggest that healthcare providers must talk to and educate their patients when prescribing Diazepam, so they know about the potential for risks and can take steps to reduce the chances of accidents. (3)

What are the common side effects of using Diazepam?

Some common side effects of Diazepam may include:

Drowsiness
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Coordination difficulties
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Constipation
Changes in appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in libido
Memory impairment
Paradoxical reactions (In some rare cases a person can become more anxious and agitated instead of being relaxed)

It’s important to remember that everyone is unique and may respond differently to medications, so based on this factor, the severity of side effects varies among individuals.

How to manage driving impairment caused by Diazepam?

Managing driving impairment caused by Diazepam requires caution and adherence to safety guidelines. You must ensure to prioritize safety for both yourself and others on the road.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Diazepam. They will provide you with specific guidance on dosage, timings and any precautions related to driving. Also, pay attention to your level of alertness and focus before driving while you’re under the influence of Diazepam.

Avoid driving when you are new to the medication or your dose has just been adjusted because your body may take some time to get used to it. It is strongly advised to not consume excessive amounts of alcohol or other recreational drugs that enhance the sedative effects of Diazepam and depress CNS to a more significant level.

If possible, fix a time of your medication under your doctor’s approval so that you take it when driving is not anticipated within the immediate hours afterwards.

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding driving under the influence of medications like Diazepam to avoid falling into a legal problem.

Alternatives for driving while waiting for Diazepam to wear off:

Here are some alternatives if you need to reach a certain place while still under the influence of Diazepam:

Utilize public transportation like buses, trains etc.
Ride-sharing services (Uber or Lyft)
Taxi services
Walking or cycling (If your destination is nearby and you feel safe to do so)
Work from home
Delay your plans for a while if it’s not urgent.

Final words on driving after Diazepam use:

In summary, as a pharmacist, I would not advise you to drive while you’re on medications like Diazepam. Instead, use alternative ways of commute as discussed above in this article to ensure your safety and also others while on the road.