[Fitness to drive when taking medicines]

Abstract

The regulations for driving fitness of people using drugs with potential influence on driving capability are embodied in the 'Regelingeisengeschiktheid 2000' (REG2000). The Health Council of the Netherlands (HCN) adviced to design more strict regulations for professional drivers. This advice has not yet been approved by the minister due to implementation complexity. The HCN recommends to follow the by the KNMP formulated advices when using category II psychostimulants or category III antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antihistamines, anti-epileptics or opioids. The KNMP advices for driving participation are broadly available via the public websites www.apotheek.nl and www.rijveiligmetmedicijnen.nl. Both websites are written in accessible language level. The HCN advices to enhance scientific research concerning influence on driving fitness before approving a drug, to use standard procedures to prevent ad hoc decisions concerning driving fitness and the use of checklists for doctors when preparing driving fitness attests.