2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

loratadine [Claritin®]ceterizine [Reactine®]fexofenadine [Allegra®], anddesloratadine [Aerius®]are largely free from the sedating effects of the older antihistamines. However, at high doses,significant side-effects have been reported, though still less pronounced than those associatedwith older antihistamines.Beta-blockersBeta-blockers such as: propanolol [Inderal®] atenolol [Tenormin®]Common side effects of beta-blockers include tiredness, sleep disturbances, and dizziness. Lesscommon side effects relevant to driving include impairments in attention, mental flexibility(executive functioning), and memory.The available evidence indicates that impairments in cognitive functioning can be a side effect ofbeta blockers. However, results from the majority of studies indicate that there is little in theway of evidence to indicate that beta blockers negatively impact cognitive performance in thegeneral population of beta blocker users.AntipsychoticsResearch suggests that atypical antipsychotic drugs may improve cognitive functioning inindividuals with Schizophrenia compared to treatment with typical antipsychotics. Nonetheless,the research indicates that even with atypical antipsychotics, individuals still experience residualcognitive impairments.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatoriesIn general, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs result in improvements infunctional abilities (e.g., reduction in pain and stiffness in those with osteoarthritis, resulting inincreased physical function and improvements in quality of life). However, there is a suggestionthat the use of NSAIDs can impair cognitive ability.Sedatives and hypnoticsThe adverse effects of sedatives and hypnotics may include: sedation drowsiness cognitive and psychomotor impairment impaired coordination vertigo362