In 2025, Tennessee is updating how DUI laws apply to drivers using prescription weight-loss drugs. These changes are creating legal confusion, particularly for individuals prescribed medications like phentermine, Qsymia, or other stimulant-based treatments. If you’re trying to lose weight under medical supervision, can you still be arrested for DUI? And if so, what are your legal options?
This article explains what’s changing in Tennessee DUI law in 2025, why weight-loss prescriptions are now being scrutinized, and what this means for ordinary people following their doctor’s advice.
The Problem: DUI Charges for Medically Approved Drugs
Prescription weight-loss medications are not new, but their popularity surged in Tennessee in 2024 following national shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy. Many doctors pivoted to drugs like phentermine, diethylpropion, and bupropion-naltrexone combinations, which can suppress appetite and increase energy. However, most of these medications are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances with stimulant-like effects.
Under Tennessee law, driving under the influence includes impairment by any intoxicant or drug that affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes legal substances—whether over-the-counter or prescribed.
As a result, drivers have found themselves charged with DUI even after following medical guidance and taking prescription weight-loss medication at approved doses.
What Makes Weight-Loss Drugs a DUI Risk?
Most modern weight-loss drugs fall into two categories:
- Stimulant-based (e.g., phentermine, diethylpropion) – Known to affect alertness, judgment, and coordination.
- Serotonin/norepinephrine-based (e.g., Contrave) – May impair focus or trigger sleepiness in some users.
What complicates things further is how Tennessee interprets “impairment.” The law does not require a specific blood concentration threshold for most prescription drugs. Instead, officers rely on observations, field sobriety tests, and drug recognition expert (DRE) evaluations, which can be subjective.
The 2025 Update: Stricter Enforcement and Expanded Drug Recognition
Why Is Tennessee Updating the Law?
According to legislative notes from early 2025, Tennessee lawmakers were concerned about:
- The increase in DUI arrests involving non-alcohol substances
- A growing reliance on prescription stimulants in weight-loss plans
- An uptick in multi-drug combinations, especially when paired with anxiety meds or sleep aids
To address these concerns, a new state-wide enforcement directive was issued in March 2025, expanding the training and deployment of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) across counties.
What the 2025 Law Clarifies
The updated DUI provisions now explicitly state that:
- Any Schedule IV substance known to impair driving can trigger a DUI charge, even at prescribed levels.
- Drivers must disclose all medications if stopped for suspected impairment—failure to do so may complicate defense strategies.
- DRE testimony can now be used in lieu of blood tests in many rural counties lacking toxicology facilities.
This means officers no longer have to wait for lab results before making an arrest. If a DRE believes your prescription medication made you unsafe to drive, that alone may be enough for charges.
Real-World Example: Chattanooga Mother Arrested in March 2025
Consider the case of “J.S.,” a 42-year-old mother from Chattanooga. In March 2025, she was pulled over for a broken taillight on her way home from a gym class. She admitted to taking her prescribed phentermine that morning—something she’d done for months.
Despite showing no signs of alcohol or drug abuse, the officer noted her “nervousness” and “talkativeness.” A DRE determined she exhibited stimulant indicators, including elevated pulse and dry mouth. She was arrested and charged with DUI.
Her case is now pending, but it highlights how routine medication can lead to serious criminal allegations under the 2025 rules.
What to Do If You’re Taking Weight-Loss Prescriptions
1. Talk to Your Doctor About Driving Safety
Make sure your physician understands how the medication affects your cognitive and physical function. If it causes jitteriness, anxiety, or sleeplessness, you may need to adjust your dosing schedule to avoid driving under its peak effects.
2. Carry Documentation With You
Keep your prescription label or a doctor’s note in your vehicle. If stopped, this can support your credibility, although it won’t necessarily protect you from a DUI charge.
3. Avoid Driving When You First Start a New Medication
Most DUI-related issues occur within the first week of starting or adjusting a dosage. If possible, arrange alternative transportation until you understand how the medication affects you.
Legal Defenses Are Still Available
Despite the 2025 crackdown, a DUI arrest doesn’t mean a guaranteed conviction. Here are some of the most common legal defense strategies that may apply:
1. Lack of Actual Impairment
Just because you’ve taken a drug doesn’t mean you were impaired. Field sobriety tests and DRE evaluations can be flawed, especially for people with medical conditions like anxiety or ADHD.
2. Improper Stop or Search
If the officer lacked probable cause to pull you over or failed to follow required procedures, your defense attorney may challenge the validity of the arrest.
3. No Proof of Drug Impact
The state must prove that your ability to drive was affected. A prescription alone is not enough. Your defense team may call medical experts or challenge the officer’s observations.
You can read more about legal strategies on our Chattanooga DUI Lawyer page, where we explain how our team approaches complex DUI cases involving prescription drugs.
Avoid These Mistakes After a DUI Arrest
- Admitting guilt or providing unnecessary information. You are not legally required to explain every medication you take without legal counsel.
- Posting about your case on social media. Prosecutors sometimes use social posts to undermine your credibility.
Why This Change Matters to the Public
Many Tennesseans trying to improve their health through weight-loss plans are now exposed to legal risks they never anticipated. The new DUI approach does not differentiate between recreational and medically supervised use. That’s why it’s essential to understand your rights and take proactive steps to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Conclusion: Protect Yourself in 2025 and Beyond
Tennessee’s 2025 DUI changes mean that even legally prescribed medications can result in life-altering charges. If you’re on weight-loss medication like phentermine or Contrave, you must drive responsibly and know your legal risks.
If you or a loved one has already been arrested under the updated DUI guidelines, consult a qualified attorney immediately. A defense team experienced in prescription-related DUIs can challenge assumptions, evaluate officer conduct, and work toward a dismissal or reduced charge.
For more insights on DUI defense and recent legal changes, see our article on DUI Arrested After Sleeping in a Car.
FAQ: DUI and Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs in Tennessee
Can I be charged with DUI if I have a valid prescription?
Yes. Tennessee law focuses on impairment, not legality of use. Even if your doctor prescribed the medication, if it affects your driving, you may still be arrested.
What are the most common weight-loss drugs leading to DUI charges?
Phentermine, diethylpropion, bupropion, and combinations like Qsymia and Contrave are the most common due to their impact on the nervous system.
Do I have to disclose my prescriptions during a traffic stop?
You are not required to list medications unless asked. However, honesty may help if you can provide proof. Still, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer before making statements.
What should I do if I get pulled over while on weight-loss drugs?
Remain calm. Provide license and registration. Do not admit to using any drug without legal counsel. If asked, state you’re under a doctor’s care and prefer to speak with an attorney.
Can I refuse a field sobriety or blood test?
You can refuse, but doing so may result in automatic license suspension under Tennessee’s implied consent law. This may complicate your defense later.
Does a DRE’s opinion count as legal proof?
Yes, in many counties their observations can be submitted in court, but a good attorney can challenge their training, methods, and conclusions.
What are my chances of beating a DUI from prescription meds?
It depends on the evidence, arrest details, and your legal representation. Many cases are dismissed or reduced when challenged properly.