Many students take medications to help them with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, but others take those same medications to help them stay awake, focus and study longer. This off-label use isn’t usually legal, as many students who do this borrow pills from other people to get the effects they need.
It is possible that drugs like Ritalin or Adderall could lead to a DUI charge. How? If you have this kind of stimulant in your system when you get into a crash, you could be accused of being impaired by it. This is even more likely if you don’t have a prescription, in which case you could face a drug charge as well.
Stimulants have serious side effects
Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin have side effects that could affect how you drive. For example, Ritalin is known to cause headaches, signs of psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia and hostility) as well as seizures and changes in vision. Adderall has side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Uncontrolled movements
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Anxiety symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
With either of these drugs, there is a possibility that your ability to drive safely could be affected.
What should you do if you’re accused of a DUI but have a prescription?
Even if you have a prescription, you could still face DUI charges. It’s a good idea to talk to your medical provider about the side effects that could impair your ability to drive and to your attorney about developing a strong defense if you crash or face a DUI from taking those medications. Although they can be helpful, these medications have serious side effects that need to be considered before you ever get behind the wheel.