Can Prescription Anxiety or Sleep Medications Lead to a DUI in San Diego?
Most people associate DUI charges with alcohol or illegal drugs but in California, and especially in San Diego, you can be arrested for driving under the influence of legally prescribed medications. If you’re taking anti-anxiety medication or a prescription sleep aid, understanding how these substances affect your ability to drive is essential.
Prescription Doesn’t Mean Permission
California Vehicle Code §23152(f) makes it illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, including legally prescribed medications. If your prescription impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, police in San Diego can, and will, arrest you for DUI.
Common prescription medications that have triggered DUI arrests include:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Ambien (zolpidem)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Lunesta (eszopiclone)
These drugs are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or panic attacks, but they can impair motor skills, reaction time, and alertness, especially if taken shortly before driving.
DUI Enforcement in San Diego for Prescription Drug Use
Law enforcement agencies across San Diego County, from downtown to suburban areas like El Cajon or Encinitas, have ramped up training to recognize signs of drug-impaired driving. Officers now use specially trained Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to detect impairment, even when no alcohol is present.
Police don’t need a breathalyzer result to make a case. Instead, they can use field sobriety tests, officer observations, and blood test results to allege drug impairment.
San Diego Drivers at Risk: Who Should Be Especially Cautious?
The following groups are at particular risk of facing DUI charges involving prescription meds:
- Young professionals prescribed anti-anxiety meds for high-stress jobs
- Military veterans and active-duty service members treated for PTSD or sleep disorders
- College students using sedatives or antidepressants to manage test anxiety
- Older adults taking prescribed sleep aids or pain medications for chronic conditions
Many drivers don’t realize they can be arrested even if they took the medication exactly as prescribed. If a police officer believes your ability to drive was compromised, your compliance with dosage instructions won’t protect you from charges.
Common DUI Defenses for Prescription Drug Cases
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Diego after taking prescription medication, your attorney may be able to challenge the charge using one or more of these defenses:
- No actual impairment: The prosecution must prove you were impaired, not just that you took a medication.
- Improper DRE procedure: Drug Recognition Experts must follow strict protocols; errors can make their observations inadmissible.
- Unreliable blood testing: Contamination or lab error can lead to inaccurate results.
- Lack of probable cause: If the officer pulled you over without a lawful reason, the case may be thrown out entirely.
Every case is different, and outcomes often depend on whether you had previous DUI charges, what substances were detected, and how you interacted with law enforcement during the stop.
You Have Rights. Make Sure They’re Protected.
Being arrested for DUI while using prescribed medication can feel unfair but the law doesn’t always work in your favor. San Diego courts treat these cases seriously, and a conviction can lead to license suspension, fines, DUI classes, and even jail time.
San Diego DUI Attorney, Rick Mueller, has defended hundreds of drivers charged with DUI involving prescription drugs. He knows how San Diego prosecutors build these cases and how to challenge them effectively.
If you’ve been charged with DUI after taking anxiety or sleep medication, contact Rick Mueller now. Your consultation is free, and your defense starts with one call.
Can Prescription Anxiety or Sleep Medications Lead to a DUI in San Diego?