There’s little doubt that the irony will not be lost on Denver residents who are prescribed the anti-anxiety drug, Xanax: using the medication while driving can sometimes end with an arrest for DUID (driving under the influence of drugs). We do not in any way intend for that information to cause anxiety, of course.
But we do want you to know that even perfectly legal medications prescribed to you by your physician can cause impairment — and that impairment can result in a DUID arrest.
Medical News Today says that Xanax (also known as alprazolam in its generic form) is in the same chemical family as Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam). The drugs are all commonly used to treat anxiety. In fact, the publication says Xanax is one of the most popularly prescribed medications of all kinds, and has been the most prescribed psychiatric drug.
The website also has this important warning: “Until you experience how Xanax affects you, do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.”
Of course, for many people, it’s nearly impossible to take a few days away from the roads. They need to drive to and from work, pick up their children or spouse, run errands, etc. So they might well be prescribed alprazolam, take it and then drive before they understand completely how the medication affects their vision, reflexes, judgment and so on.
For Denver drivers facing the serious consequences of a DUI-drugs arrest, the assistance of an experienced attorney can be invaluable. A criminal defense lawyer experienced in negotiations with prosecutors can in many circumstances get charges reduced or even dropped.