JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After Tiger Woods' arrest Monday on a DUI charge that he attributed to “an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications,” local pharmacists said they want to remind patients to make sure they're paying attention to the medications they're taking.
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Pharmacist Gary Roberts said people might not be aware of the side-effects their medications can cause.
Among the medications listed in Woods' arrest report was Vicodin, a highly addictive opioid painkiller. Police said Woods was found asleep behind the wheel of his Mercedes, which was stopped in the road with its engine running, its brake lights on and a blinker flashing.
Police said Woods' speech was extremely slow and slurred and that he appeared to be confused. According to a breathalyzer, Woods' blood-alcohol level was zero, but Roberts said Woods could have been impaired by his medications.
"Those are classic examples of adverse affects in medications, especially if there's more than one medication involved,” Roberts said.
Even ingredients in over-the-counter medications can have serious side effects, pharmacists warned. One of the most common ingredients, antihistamines, like ones found in Benadryl and other allergy relief medications, can cause marked drowsiness.
Another ingredient to look out for, Roberts said, is dextromethorphan. Many brands will identify it with a “DM” on the package. Roberts said it can give the user the sensation of being high.
He said it's also important for patients to keep track of how much cold and flu medicine they're taking.
Brands like NyQuil include a large amount of alcohol, and combining different medicines can create a dangerous cocktail.
"They should try getting all of their medications from the same drug store,” Roberts said. “That way the pharmacist knows what interacts with what."
When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or doctor about the side effects of a medication. Many of the warnings are listed right on the container.
With so many variables, each patient may have a different reaction, so Roberts suggested those taking a new drug should avoid driving until they know how it will affect them.