Evaluation of simulated driving in comparison to laboratory-based tests to assess the pharmacodynamics of alprazolam and alcohol.

Huizinga CR, Zuiker RG, de Kam ML, Ziagkos D, Kuipers J, Mejia Y, van Gerven JM, Cohen AF

Assessment of the effects of medicines on the risks of car driving must be derived from laboratory tests, simulated driving or real on-road driving tests. Relevance of tests is determined by their sensitivity and predictive ability for the probability of accidents or damage. This cannot be determined directly, but methods should be able to at least detect the effects of a positive control in dosage known to be clearly associated with increased risk.