Expert: Jacqui - 10/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: My ex is in a 28 day rehab facility, after being kicked out of the last one for testing positive for Benzodiazepines. Now, at this new place, he tested positive yet again. He's on trileptal and oxcarbazepine, and a worker there supposedly told him those drugs cna give a false positive for Benzodiazepines. I honestly dont believe it. I didnt think it could, being Trileptal is  tricyclic anti-depressants in chemical structure, and benzo's are unrelated? Please let me know, I am thankful.

Danielle Kaspari,
Minnesota

ANSWER: Hi Danielle,

Unfortunately I can't fully answer this question because I just couldn't find any information on whether these drugs would test positive as benzos.  I actually think that other things are far more relevant to look at than whether someone has a benzo in their urine, and if he had been doing well in every other aspect then perhaps this policy is a bit harsh - but that is the US!  Was his problem benzos?  If it wasn't, and it was say, heroin or coke, then not having them in his system is pretty great.

Anyway, back to your original question.  Benzos enhance the action of 'GABA' in the brain, which can stop seizures.  I don't know enough about chemistry to fully understand all of this, but I imagine other anti epileptics have a similar action, meaing that there could be some validity to him testing positive.  Where there is doubt, I think the person should be given a chance.  

Danielle, are you getting any support?  It can be stressful having a partner who is seeking treatment for drug dependency.  It is pretty difficult, or near on impossible, for one person to change another's behaviour.  Your partner will need to stop using himself if he is going to succeed.  I hope that you have some good support networks so that you are able to talk things over.

Good luck and stay safe,

Jacqui

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jacqui,
He doesnt have seizures. Pardon me for being not so positive, but this is round 6 in rehab. Benzo's were his drug of choice. I just have a hard time believing Trileptal and Oxcarbazepine would do this. Who knows though, and thank you so much!

Oh, and I'm aware, if he's going to change, he has to do it himself, for himself, and thats that. Until then, I cannot continue the relationship.I'm still a part of his support network, but as he was also a physically abusive person I think its best I keep a distance.

Thank you!

Answer
Hey Danielle,

Yes, I agree, you certainly shouldn't stay in a physically abusive relationship.  

I mistatkenly assumed that the drugs were being prescribed for epilepsy ... I now realise this isn't the case.  

My only other suggestion about this situation is, that if you are taking the steps to stop being in a relationship, there is also a part of you that may need to stop bothering too much about whether he is using or not using.  Of course you are going to be concerned, but as I guess I suggested in the first response, the only person who is going to change his behavior is him.  

I wish you well!  And please don't hesitate to make contact again.

Stay safe,

Jacqui