Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 3/15/2009

Question
I work at the Home of Grace for Women a drug and alcohol recovery center for women in Alabama. I recently took a 10 panel urine test and tested positive for Benzo and TCA. I take Ultram and Flexeril on a daily basis for my back injury and occasionally take Ibuprofen for Head Aches and Nyquil for colds. Why would I have tested positive to the above mentioned drugs. I need to know as this could effect my job.
Ashley

Answer
Hello Ashley,
 There are over 250 over the counter medications that would cause a false positive.  Nyquil can give a false positive for Meth.  Ibuprofen no.  Both the Benzo and TCA are tests foro antidepressants.  Typically taken to cover another drug use.  There is another test they can send you for to rule out these drugs.  It is called an GC/MS test.  I suggest you disclose to your employer all your medication (even over the conter) or subject yourself to the test.  Being a drug and alcohol recovery center, they should be aware of false positives and why/how they occur.
 Good Luck.

This is from the website:   Medhelp.org and Drug.com.
 A positive drug screen for benzodiazepines on a urine drug screen (UDS) in the absence of a legitimately prescription is often considered evidence of drug abuse. Drugs that you could take to cause a false positive: Flexeril, cyclobenzaprine, Vicodin® a combination of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and hydrocodone Wellbutrin XL ® - sustained release bupropion typically used for depression, Avalide® hydrochlorothiazide/irbesartan for blood pressure, Nexium® - esomeprazole for gastric reflux and peptic ulcer disease, and Ortho - Prefest® hormone replacement therapy that consists of tablets containing estradiol and a combination of estradiol and norgestimate.