Study finds common sleep medication may impair driving ability

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication, may reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but also impair driving the following morning. Conducted by researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, the study involved 15 adults with OSA who had difficulty maintaining sleep. Participants took 50mg of quetiapine one night and a placebo the next, with results showing increased total sleep time and reduced apnea-related events. However, those who took quetiapine exhibited slower reaction times in driving tests, with 11 out of 15 participants reporting increased sleepiness the next morning. Approximately 25% of participants did not recognize their level of impairment. The study noted mild to moderate side effects, including nausea and blood pressure drops. Researchers highlighted the need for larger studies to confirm findings and recommended avoiding driving for at least 9.5 hours after taking quetiapine. Experts emphasized the importance of understanding sex differences in drug metabolism and the potential cognitive impacts on older adults.