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Eight prescription drugs are on the hit list of new driving related drugs laws that have just been implemented. If you are using the correct prescribed amounts it is permitted but if you over-subscribe yourself or are not prescribed it will be an offence.

There are also eight non-prescription drugs that will now become a driving offence.

These are the eight prescription drugs affected.

Clonazepam is prescribed to treat seizures or panic disorders

Diazepam is used for anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms or muscle spasms.

Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) is a sedative originally used in hospitals for deep sedation in the 1970s.

Lorazepam is used to treat convulsions or seizures caused by epilepsy.

Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia problems.

Methadone is used in the treatment of heroin addiction and for pain relief.

Morphine or opiates treat moderate to severe pain.

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To make the statement that you will be ok to drive if you stick to the limit prescribed is rediculous. If you are in the very sad position of some types of terminal cancer, for example, then the level of morphine prescribed to make the pain manageable could mean you are flying without a plane and would be in no fit state to be behind the wheel of a car. I feel this is yet another case of this government saying 'look what we've done' as it is already illegale to drive while unfit through drink or drugs.

It is only within the context of the new changes in law, there are other existing parts of the law which forbid you do drive when unfit to do so.

Doctors are supposed to tell DVLA and the patient when they are unfit to drive.

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Source2

Thanks for the additonal info but I still believe it is still very much belt & braces. The requirement to declare the patient unfit to drive has been there for years just as it has been for the individual to notify DVLA if they are unfit through a miriad of ailments. I guess that most drivers would be unaware of the ailments requiring notification and it is only when renewing their licence that they read the information sheet for signing the declaration.