People taking Xanax can get pulled over and charged for drugged driving because Xanax can make people feel sedated. Xanax and other anti-anxiety medications use a class of drug called benzodiazepines. These drugs work by depressing the central nervous system. They make people feel relaxed and calm. They are used as a short-term treatment for anxiety and insomnia.
Similar drugs include:
- Librium
- Doral
- Valium
- Ativan
Taking Xanax and then driving can leave drivers too calm. They can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drivers may be too sedated to notice dangers and react to them appropriately. The best thing to do is not drive if you are feeling tired after taking your prescription Xanex. If you consumed alcohol after taking your prescription Xanex then definitely do not drive. Xanex is a benzodiazepine. It is well known to the scientific community, police, and prosecutors that benzodiazepines enhance the effects of alcohol. In Pennsylvania drug and drug and alcohol combined DUI charges result in punishment in the highest tier.
If you find yourself pulled over for whatever reason, do not tell the police officer you took Xanex. Even if taken in for a blood test. Most people do not know that unless a police officer specifically requests that their blood be tested for Xanex, that it will not be found. The reason for that is the blood must be put into a gas chromatograph specifically set up to test for benzodiazepines. If a police officer only suspects alcohol the lab won’t look for Xanex. Therefore, even if it is present in a driver’s blood it won’t be found and that can possibly avoid enhanced DUI penalties based on the presence of drugs.
When pulled over by a police officer.
Silence is always golden.