Can You Get a DUI for Prescription Medication?

When most people think of driving under the influence (DUI), they picture someone who has had too much to drink or used illegal drugs. But did you know you can also be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of prescription medication?

In Washington State, the law doesn’t differentiate between illegal drugs, alcohol, and legally prescribed medications—if a substance impairs your ability to drive safely, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI.

At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we understand how complex and frustrating these cases can be. If you’ve been charged with a DUI involving prescription drugs, we can help you fight back.

Can Prescription Medications Lead to a DUI?

Yes. Even if a doctor prescribed the medication and you took it as directed, you can still face DUI charges if law enforcement believes it impaired your ability to drive.

Some prescription medications can cause:

  • drowsiness
  • slowed reaction time
  • blurred vision
  • dizziness or confusion
  • lack of coordination

If an officer pulls you over and suspects you’re impaired, they may conduct field sobriety tests, a drug recognition evaluation, or request a blood or urine test.

Common Prescription Drugs That Can Lead to DUI Charges

Certain medications are more likely to cause impairment, including:

  • opioid pain relievers – oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine
  • anti-anxiety medications – Xanax, Valium, Ativan
  • sleep aids – Ambien, Lunesta
  • antidepressants – some SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants
  • muscle relaxers – Flexeril, Soma
  • antihistamines – Benadryl and other drowsiness-inducing allergy medications

Even over-the-counter medications like cold and allergy medicine can cause impairment and lead to a DUI charge.

Penalties for a Prescription Drug DUI in Washington

A first-time DUI conviction in Washington can result in:

  • jail time from 1 to 364 days
  • fines up to $5,000
  • license suspension from 90 days to one year
  • probation and drug treatment programs
  • ignition interlock device in some cases

If you have prior DUI offenses, the penalties become even more severe.

How Can You Defend Against a Prescription Medication DUI?

Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you will be convicted. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we build strong defenses for our clients, including:

  • showing you were taking medication as prescribed – if you followed your doctor’s orders and weren’t impaired, we can challenge the charges
  • challenging flawed field sobriety tests – many sobriety tests are not designed to detect prescription drug impairment and may be unreliable
  • questioning drug recognition evaluations (DREs) – these tests are subjective and officers can misinterpret medical conditions as impairment
  • disputing inaccurate blood or urine tests – lab results may be misleading, especially for medications that stay in your system long after their effects wear off
  • fighting illegal traffic stops – if police didn’t have a valid reason to stop you, we may be able to get the case dismissed

Charged with a Prescription Drug DUI? We Can Help.

A DUI conviction can affect your job, your finances, and your future. Don’t try to fight it alone. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we have the experience and knowledge to fight your DUI charge and protect your rights. Call us today at (360) 334-6277 for a free consultation.