Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Should allergy medications be a concern for Sprint Cup drivers?

Jeremy Mayfield contends he was using prescription drugs and Claritin-D. NASCAR contends he was using something much more serious. Mayfield also contends he wasn’t properly informed about the drug he tested positive for. NASCAR issues a denial stating that he was informed repeatedly. Then the drug tester defends his reputation and claims that Claritin-D wouldn’t result in a positive drug test. Mayfield hires a lawyer.

All this mayhem made me wonder: Is anyone asking what the potential side effects are of Claritin-D and whether or not they could affect a driver’s ability to operate a racecar?

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I checked several reputable medical web sites and found that there are a number of potential side effects, some of which do not go well with operating an automobile. The list of side effects includes, dizziness, headache, fast/irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled tremor and in extreme cases it can result in seizures, hallucinations and mood changes. WebMD.com warns against driving if the consumer experiences dizziness.

Although these symptoms are rare, they are all potential side effects that can result from using this drug as directed.

Drug testing is crucial for the safety of the sport, but recreational drugs and controlled substances aren’t the only drugs that can have an effect on a driver’s ability to operate a racecar.

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