Is it possible to drive a car if diagnosed with “Parkinson’s Disease”?

The presence of Parkinson’s disease does not automatically mean that you need to stop driving. However, when taking certain medications, symptoms may arise that could make driving dangerous.

When taking certain antiparkinsonian medications, daytime sleepiness may occur, in severe cases reaching the level of episodes of sudden, uncontrollable sleep onset.

Most often, this occurs when taking medications from the group of dopamine receptor agonists – pramipexole (Mirapex), piribedil (Pronoran), ropinirole (Requip Modutab, Sindranol).

Daytime sleepiness in mild cases may naturally occur after eating, while watching TV in a horizontal position, or when reading a book or newspaper while sitting.

More pronounced and dangerous can be considered episodes of falling asleep in a more active state – for example, at the table while eating, or sitting in a car as a passenger during a conversation with a companion

The most severe cases are when a person literally falls asleep on the go, standing, in public places – this is called “narcolepsy” and can lead to injury.

Therefore, if driving is an integral part of the patient’s life, it must be taken into account when prescribing dopamine receptor agonists. It is essential to mention during the doctor’s visit that the patient drives a car and to be more cautious and attentive during the stage of selecting the effective dosage of medications.

If problems with daytime sleepiness arise, either stop driving or consider changing the medication with your doctor.

In addition to daytime sleepiness, more advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease may exacerbate movement and cognitive disorders—general slowness, periodically occurring stiffness and “off” phases, as well as slowed reactions.

All of this must be considered and sensibly evaluated when planning trips to minimize potentially dangerous situations for yourself and others.

Stay healthy!

Neurologist-Parkinsonologist at V.S. Buzaev International Medical Centre®, PhD,
Akhmadeeva Gulnara Nailevna.