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MedicationBelgium

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Belgium

256. Medication

Medication can affect driving ability even when it is legally prescribed or available without a prescription. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, reduced concentration, slower reactions or impaired coordination and judgement. Drivers should read the patient information leaflet, follow the prescribed dose and ask a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether it is safe to drive. Extra care is needed when starting a new medicine, changing the dose or combining several medicines or medication with alcohol.

Can medication affect your fitness to drive in Belgium?

Yes. Belgian driving-fitness standards recognise that certain medicines can increase the risk of an accident. A driver must remain medically fit and capable of driving safely.

How can you check whether a medicine affects driving in Belgium?

Read the patient information leaflet, particularly the section on driving and using machines. The Belgian medicines authority also recommends asking your doctor or pharmacist when you are unsure.

Can medicine bought without a prescription affect driving in Belgium?

Yes. A medicine does not have to require a prescription to affect driving. Some antihistamines, cough medicines and other commonly used medicines can reduce alertness or reaction ability.

Which types of medication can affect driving ability?

Medicines that may affect driving include certain sleeping tablets, sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-epileptic medicines and some cough medicines. The effect depends on the medicine and the individual.

What should you do if medication makes you sleepy or dizzy in Belgium?

Do not drive if side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired vision or reduced concentration prevent you from driving safely. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice when necessary.

Can medication affect a Belgian driving-fitness assessment?

Yes. When medication or a medical condition may increase the risk of an accident, a medical driving-fitness assessment may be required. The driver is responsible for ensuring that they continue to meet the applicable fitness standards.

Where can you find official information about medicines in Belgium?

The Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products provides an official medicines database and patient information leaflets containing information on safe use, side effects and possible restrictions on driving.

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