Can over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines and cold remedies, impair driving ability?

Over-the-counter drugs, including antihistamines and cold remedies, can indeed impair driving ability. Many of these medications contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that affect cognitive functions and motor skills. This impairment can be comparable to the effects of alcohol or other controlled substances, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle while under their influence.

For instance, first-generation antihistamines, commonly found in many cold and allergy medications, are known for causing sedation. Even though these drugs are generally available without a prescription, users need to be fully aware of how they might react to them before getting behind the wheel. The potential impairment underscores the importance of reading medication labels and being aware of how any substance, including over-the-counter drugs, can affect one's ability to drive safely.