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Can patients taking opioids drive safely? A structured evidence-based review
David A Fishbain1, R B Cutler, H L Rosomoff
1University of Miami School of Medicine, University of Miami Comprehensive Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA. d.fishbain@miami.edu
Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy
|December 3, 2003
Summary
This review found no strong evidence linking opioid use to intoxicated driving, motor vehicle accidents (MVA), or MVA fatalities. Patients on opioids may be able to drive safely, but individual clinical assessment is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Traffic Safety Research
Background:
- Opioid use is prevalent, raising concerns about potential associations with impaired driving and accidents.
- Existing research on the link between opioid use and motor vehicle accidents (MVA) requires a comprehensive evidence-based review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiological evidence associating opioid use with intoxicated driving, MVAs, and MVA fatalities.
- To assess the quality of existing research using Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) criteria.
- To inform clinical decisions regarding the safety of patients taking opioids while driving.
Main Methods:
- A structured literature review was conducted using databases like Medline and Science Citation Index.
- Studies were categorized by their focus: intoxicated driving, MVAs, and MVA fatalities.
- Research quality and strength of evidence were rated using AHCPR scales.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests opioids are likely not associated with intoxicated driving.
- The majority of studies indicate no association between opioid use and MVAs.
- A weak or no association was found between opioid use and MVA fatalities across most studies.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed evidence does not support a significant association between opioid use and increased risk of intoxicated driving, MVAs, or MVA fatalities.
- Current evidence suggests patients taking opioids may be permitted to drive.
- Individualized clinical evaluation remains essential for determining driving safety in patients using opioids.