Is it safe to drive while taking antidepressants?

Today, one in ten people in the United States is taking antidepressants. And 90% of Americans drive. In sum, this means that many people take antidepressants while on the road. It is safe? Well, it has been found in controlled tests that the combination of taking antidepressants and mental illness (such as depression) can lead to decreased ability to drive.

This doesn't necessarily mean you can't drive while taking antidepressants - the results have shown that the combination of medication and depression can cause problems. The tests did not determine how much of the loss of driving ability was due to depression and how much was due to the drugs used to treat it. Generally, driving after taking antidepressants at prescribed doses is considered safe.

Keep in mind that an antidepressant is very different from a sedative. Sedatives suppress impulses from the brain to the central nervous system. Medications like Zoloft or Paxil are actually SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that correct a chemical imbalance in the brain. In general, it should be safe for you to drive while taking antidepressants. But this can be affected by the type of antidepressant you use, the dosage, and how the drug may interact with other substances you have used or taken by mouth. If you have any concerns about any side effects you experience or feel uncomfortable driving due to medication, we recommend that you check with your doctor before you hit the road.