When some people think of DUI, they think about alcohol and street drugs.

However, common medications can land you in hot water, even if a doctor prescribes them.

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It's so important to read the bottle and the instructions given by the doctor.

For example, if the prescription instructions say don't drive under the influence, don't drive.

You may be surprised just how many medicines can lead to getting a DUI in New Jersey.

Which prescriptions can you get a DUI for in New Jersey?

Anxiety Medications

Benzodiazepine medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan can impair one’s capability to operate a vehicle significantly.

Many of these medications act as sedatives or have a sedative-like effect, which causes a delayed response, slow motor movements, and lack of coordination, which are telltale signs to law enforcement that a person driving a vehicle may be under the influence.

Sleep Medications

There are many medications available in the market that may help a person fall asleep, but drugs such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are far more dangerous, especially while driving.

The user may still be under the influence of the medication even when the next day arrives, which may leave the user tired the entire day.

Pain Medications

People who are prescribed opioid medications such as OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin may suffer from impaired judgment and lack of energy, which are most likely the effects resulting from the painkillers.

It's worth noting that due to the painkillers being opioids, they can lead to users being disqualified from applying for a driving test in the state of New Jersey.

Muscle Relaxants

Inhibiting motor skills makes it illegal to drive under the influence, especially if the person driving has taken a muscle relaxant that may have been legal in the state, such as Flexeril and Soma.

ADHD Medications

Adderall, Ritalin, and other stimulant medications alter one’s focus.

In many cases, it seems to cause agitation or dizziness coupled with impaired judgment from time to time, which prevents one from being able to drive.

READ MORE: Is it Illegal to Record a Conversation in New Jersey?

According to NJ DWI Legal:

The typical prescription medications that a police officer will look for include Xanax, allergy medications, sleeping pills like Valium, cough syrups, and painkillers such as Vicodin.

The sentences for a DUI with prescription drugs vary.

If it is the first offense, there can be a 30-day jail sentence, a suspension of the individual's driver's license for 7 to 12 months, 12 to 48 hours at the intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC), fines of $300 to $500, plus surcharges of at least $3,000.

That's just for a first offense.

Are you taking any of these medications? Consider the following.

• Examine if any warning regarding driving safety is provided on the medicine container.
• Talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to drive while using these prescription medications or not.
• Never take any such prescribed medicine if you have had alcohol.
• Consider getting an Uber when taking new medicines.
• If you're pulled over, it's best to tell police officers about your prescriptions.

Drive safely.