Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 4/1/2009

Question
Hello, I am a safety manager for a steel company located in Little rock,Ar. I have heard some things about this type of enery drink including the 6 hour. I got curious and held a meeting about this drink and asked if anyone had or has been taking this drink. I heard that this drink will show a false positive for Meth/Amp. There was one guy that raised his hand so he was the test subject. the test did come back positive for these type of drinks. Around our area there are also signs posted above the drink" Caution, if you are subject to random drug screen be aware". This goes to prove the theory correct but is there any substantial proof of the ingredients contained that will cause a false test? Thanks, Jason

Answer
I have gotten this question before about 5 hour energy.  The factors have to be perfect but yes it can cause a false positive for meth.  But so can NyQuil, nasal sprays and 500 other normal medications.  I have heard that Protienase K causes this false positive.
Below is a brief list of items that cause a false postive for meth:

THIS LIST IS SHOCKING!  BUT ENJOY NONETHELESS.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
Ibuprofen; (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Excedrin IB etc)
Ketoprofen (Orudis KT)
Kidney infection (Kidney disease, diabetes) Liver Disease
Naproxen (Aleve)
Promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan)
Riboflavin (B2, Hempseed Oil)

Amphetamines - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine
(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)
Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil
Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)
Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)
Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, diabetes

Opiates - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Poppy Seeds
Tylenol with codeine
Most prescription pain medications
Cough suppressants with Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Nyquil
Kidney infection, Kidney Disease
Diabetes, Liver Disease

Ecstacy - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine
(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)
Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil
Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)
Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)
Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine, amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex, fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin, pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease
Liver disease, diabetes

Cocaine - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Kidney infection (kidney disease)
Liver infection (liver disease)
Diabetes
Amoxicillin, tonic water



Well since the words I wrote were unclear I will type them out for you to better understand.  Yes you get a false positive from 5 hour, but not just one.  I included a list of other medications over the counter that will ALSO give a false positive for meth.  I also listed one ingredient in 5 hour that is the culprit for causing a false positive...Protienase K.  
The list below my answer is interesting I THOUGHT because again these too can cause a false positive.  If you notice there are some disease that also cause a false positive.  
I have been working in this field for a long time and I did give correct, clear and accurate information.  The answer is complicated and I did my best to break it down for you.