[Opioids and driving ability].

Abstract

Acute ingestion of opioids is associated with various side effects, such as nausea, dizziness and light-headedness that can impair a person's fitness to drive. Over the long-term, however, tolerance to the opioids develops, and such negative effects decrease. Numerous studies have shown that, even high-dose opioid use does not necessarily abolish a person's fitness to drive. A stable dose, absence of co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs, and a good general state of health of the patient may well be associated with continuing ability to drive. Patients who are able to critically assess their own situation should be given appropriate information.