Georgia DUI Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Oxycodone, Wellbutrin, Halcion, Lithium
More people than ever are on prescription medications, whether for pain, depression, anxiety, or any number of reasons. Because of the increase in prescriptions, the number of DUI Drug arrests is also increasing. Combining medications such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Oxycodone, Wellbutrin, Halcion, Lithium, and many others with alcohol can lead to impairment, which may result in a drunk-driving charge.
Alcohol is known to make people relax; with pain medication, SSRIs, or other mood-altering drugs, it can make an individual relax even more. Combining alcohol and medication can result in serious side effects such as blacking out, memory loss, and disorientation. When this happens behind the wheel of a car, the results can be tragic. Many people are unaware of the effects of combining these substances.
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers over 21 is .08%; however, you may be charged with driving under the influence even if your BAC is below this limit if the officer can prove that you were an unsafe driver because of alcohol and prescription medication. Erratic driving, slurred speech, impaired motor coordination, and poor balance are all signs that can be used by the prosecution to prove that you were intoxicated. Thus, even if your BAC is as low as .05%, the prosecution could argue that the combination of alcohol and your medication significantly impaired your driving abilities.
Many Georgia law enforcement agencies have a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) on duty. These officers have undergone extensive training to look for the signs of drug use in individuals suspected of DUI. If the DRE believes that you are under the influence of prescription medication, you may be charged with DUI Drugs.
If you were arrested for DUI after combining medication with alcohol, you should immediately contact an attorney who is experienced with these types of cases. When you meet with the attorney, you should prepare a list of the medications you take, the dose, and how often you take them so he or she can launch an investigation into your case.
To fight your Georgia DUI charges and receive a free, no-obligation initial consultation, please contact our law firm today by completing our online form.
