Can prescription drugs affect the performance of the HGN test?

Prescription drugs can indeed affect the performance of the HGN test. They can impair motor functions, decrease coordination, and alter an individual's ability to maintain focus, much like alcohol does. HGN is a test that evaluates eye movement for signs of impairment, and many prescription medications can produce similar effects, which would manifest as nystagmus or other abnormal eye movements. This can lead to misinterpretation of the test results, suggesting that the individual is under the influence of alcohol when it might be due to the side effects of their prescribed medication. As such, recognizing the impact of prescription drugs is crucial for accurately assessing driver impairment during an HGN test.