Renowned comedian Lee Kyung-kyu (65) is under police investigation for allegedly driving after taking medication, sparking controversy. He said, "I didn't know I shouldn't drive after taking anxiety disorder medication," and apologized.
According to the Road Traffic Act, even prescribed medication cannot be taken if it poses a risk of being unable to drive normally. Violators may face up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. Last year, there were 163 cases in which licenses were revoked due to driving under the influence of drugs.
Medical professionals expressed concern that this incident could perpetuate stereotypes about anxiety disorder treatment. They worry that misunderstandings stemming from this event could deter patients from receiving treatment, even though taking prescribed medications does not necessarily hinder driving.
CCTV footage showing Lee getting out of his car and staggering into the road, rather than on the sidewalk, has also been released. Medical experts suggest that he may have consumed a tranquilizer (anxiolytic) beyond the recommended dosage, rather than medication typically used for anxiety disorder.
Professor Lee Jun-hee from the Department of Psychiatry at Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital said, "To be precise, it is not the anxiety disorder medication that is the issue," adding, "Although it is rare, it appears the tranquilizer has caused the problem." He noted, "This incident should not lead to biases and misunderstandings regarding psychiatric treatment."
Anxiety disorder is a condition characterized by extreme anxiety symptoms that occur unexpectedly without specific causes. It tends to feature sudden fears of dying, a feeling of suffocation, sweating, and trembling in the hands and feet, with panic attack symptoms recurring over short periods.
According to the professor, the key medication for treating anxiety disorder is a 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor', classified as an antidepressant, while the tranquilizer serves as an auxiliary medication for temporarily alleviating symptoms.
The professor explained, "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors rarely cause side effects like drowsiness and do not develop tolerance," stating that "these medications pose almost no risk like those associated with drugged driving, allowing anxiety disorder patients to be prescribed them with peace of mind."
However, when tranquilizers are prescribed together, symptoms such as drowsiness and impaired judgment may occur after ingestion, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. This is not just a precaution for psychiatric patients.
Some tranquilizers are also effective in alleviating indigestion and dizziness and are widely prescribed in various medical fields, including internal medicine and neurology. The medication used for sedation during endoscopy procedures is also in the same category as tranquilizers.
The most commonly prescribed tranquilizers include medications containing alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, and etizolam. Drugs that affect the brain can impact cognitive function and judgment until the next day due to their long half-lives. The longer the half-life, the longer the drug remains in the body and exerts its effects; for example, diazepam's half-life ranges from 20 to 70 hours depending on the dosage, while clonazepam is between 18 and 50 hours.
Those taking high doses or those who consume the medication several days in a row, as well as those with diminished liver function, may find that drugs stay in their system longer. Women may have a slower metabolism for certain medications. However, these drugs can develop tolerance; while initial use may cause drowsiness, symptoms dissipate as tolerance develops.
Cold medications can also cause side effects like drowsiness and slowed reaction time depending on the ingredients, so caution is necessary. Typically, cold medications contain three or more ingredients to alleviate symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, and pain. Some ingredients, like dextromethorphan, may depress the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness and decreased attention and reaction speed. Taking cold medicine at night and then driving the next morning, or driving immediately after taking it during the day, can be dangerous.
Doctors and pharmacists should explain cautionary measures when prescribing treatment and medication guidance. If uncertain, confirming with a pharmacist or doctor whether it is safe to drive after taking medication is advisable.
Experts emphasized that patients should not delay treatment or discontinue it on their own due to concerns about medication side effects. They could consult with their psychiatrist to adjust dosages based on initial side effects.
Oh Jin-seung, a psychiatrist and member of the YouTube channel 'Doctor Friends', noted, "The social stigma and misconceptions around psychiatric medication may discourage patients from seeking treatment," adding, "Neglecting treatment and experiencing a panic attack while driving could also increase the risk of accidents."