2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

Stimulants (for ADHD)Examples of stimulants used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) and Narcolepsy include: methylphenidate [Ritalin®, Concerta®, Biphentin®] mixed amphetamine salts [Adderall®] dextroamphetamine [Dexedrine®], and modafinil [Alertec®]29.2 PrevalenceOpioidsNo data is available on the use of opioids as a treatment for medical conditions in Canada.AntidepressantsThe most commonly used classes of antidepressants are SSRIs, dual action agents, and tricyclics.Research from 2002 showed that SSRIs had a 46.3% market share, dual action agents had 23.9%and tricyclics had 23.7%. The least commonly used class was monoamine oxidase inhibitors,with a 2.1% market share.Between 1981 and 2000, total prescriptions for antidepressants increased almost five fold, from3.2 to 14.5 million. The 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey indicated that 5.8% ofCanadians were taking antidepressants. Of those who had a major depressive episode in the pastyear, 40.4% were taking antidepressants.AntiepilepticsNo data on the prevalence of antiepileptic drug use in Canada is available. Epilepsy itself has aprevalence rate of 0.6% in the Canadian population. The incidence of epilepsy is 15,500 newcases per year, with 60% of these being young children or seniors. Because of the variability ofthe presentation of epilepsy among those diagnosed, and the use of antiepileptic drugs forconditions other than epilepsy, it is difficult to extrapolate the prevalence of anticonvulsant druguse based on the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy.AntihistaminesThe general use of antihistamines is difficult to ascertain. However, it has been estimated thatallergic conditions that may be treated with antihistamines affect 10% to 25% of the population.AntipsychoticsPrevalence statistics on the use of antipsychotics in Canada using population based surveys arecomplicated by low prevalence and questionable validity.357