Painkillers May Not Affect Driving Ability of Arthritis Patients

Arthritis patients who take opioid-based painkillers are advised not to operate heavy machinery, especially until they see how they react to the medication. According to The New York Times, a new study has shown that chronic pain patients who take these medications for pain relief regularly, drive as well as most drivers.

Two groups of study participants (50 in each group) were asked to use a driving simulator for about 12 minutes. Members of one group regularly took oral morphine while the other group took no painkillers. The driving simulator was able to measure such things as weaving, reaction time, and accident rates. There was no significant difference found between the two groups. The thinking is that regular users of opioid painkillers may develop a tolerance of the side effects and still be able to function normally.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Painkillers
• Painkillers: 10 Facts You Should Know
• Driving Safely When You Take Medication
• Do Arthritis Patients Vary in Pain Tolerance?
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis?

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