Ladies, Mind Your Midol: Nonprescription Drug Use Could Lead To DWI Charges

Are you a female who frequently suffers from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Do you often take Midol or another type of nonprescription drug to ease your bloating, fatigue, and/or muscle aches? If so, you could be putting yourself at risk of being charged with DWI. Read on to learn more.

Midol May Alter Your Ability To Drive

Midol (as well as many other medications) may provide symptom relief, but it also causes drowsiness in some individuals, and this effect may be more severe if the drug is taken in combination with alcohol or certain other medications. This drowsiness can alter your ability to operate a vehicle by slowing your reaction time or causing you to nod off at the wheel.

DWI Charges Apply To Nonprescription Drugs

If you get drowsy while taking Midol or another PMS medication, it isn't just your safety and the safety of others on the road that you have to worry about -- it's facing criminal charges, too. You can be charged with a DWI if you're caught driving a vehicle while under the influence of any drug that alters your ability to safely operate a vehicle, whether it be legal, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter. The penalties for DWI vary by state, but if you're convicted and it's your first offense, you could be looking at fines of more than $500, suspension of your driver's license and jail time.

Easing PMS Without Getting A DWI

If you take Midol or any other over-the-counter drug for PMS relief, it's best to avoid driving a vehicle while doing so. If you feel the need to drive while taking over-the-counter medication, take the drug at home first to ensure you know how your body will react to it, and use it only as directed on the side of the bottle. Never drink alcohol (not even a single drink) while taking PMS medication, and if you're on any other medications, ask your doctor if they'll react with your PMS medicine before taking it.

If you're a woman who frequently takes Midol or any other medication for PMS relief, it's important that you know that doing so could lead to a DWI charge. Avoid this difficult situation by following the above advice. If at any point in the future you find yourself facing DWI charges for driving while under the influence of nonprescription drugs, contact a DWI lawyer like Thomas A Corletta right away so they can help you start building a strong defense.