Do you use any medicine to help with your anxiety? It’s getting more and more widespread across the United States. Numerous people benefit from anti-anxiety medicines, but you should be aware that there are a variety of side effects and risk concerns to consider. In fact, in some cases you could be charged with a DUI of drugs if you drive while taking them.
Keep reading to learn how we can help you and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find the best way forward.
Dangers of driving when intoxicated
A large number of anti-anxiety medicines fall under the benzodiazepine class. Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and other tranquilizers are examples of this. Taking a normal Valium dose of 10 milligrams, for example, could result in impairment that is comparable to that of someone who has consumed alcohol at a rate of 0.10 percent by blood alcohol content (BAC). California’s blood alcohol limit is .08 percent.
In other words, if you use Xanax, Valium, or any other anti-anxiety drug, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of adverse effects before getting behind the wheel of any type of vehicle. You should generally avoid taking any anti-anxiety medications if you have to drive, just to be on the safe side.
If you are using anti-anxiety medication, you might be arrested for DUI
The officer may infer that you are driving while intoxicated even if you do not have a trace of alcohol in your blood if the officer pulls you over for allegedly engaging in erratic driving conduct and then asks and assesses you using field sobriety testing.
California law says that it is prohibited to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics – both prescription and non-prescription medications. It is possible to be arrested for DUI even if you have a valid prescription for an anti-anxiety medicine on your possession list. Remember that field sobriety tests are no required by law – you can refuse them.
What if it has already taken place?
Perhaps you were unaware that using anti-anxiety medication could cause you to become disabled in any way. A police officer approached you and ultimately arrested you for driving under the influence (DUI). If this happens to you, don’t worry; instead, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to learn how we can help you.
We will start with a free legal consultation during which we will go over all the options available to you. We can listen to the basics of your case and find the best way forward. If you are ready to find out how we can help, then we invite you to contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free consultation.
