Expert: Jacqui - 3/10/2010

Question
I have been in the methadone program for a number of years.I am prescribed Klonopin by my family doctor.Been taking it for 12 years.Recently,I ran out.So I began taking Valerian.
So,when I took my drug test this month at the clinic,they tell me it came back posititive for benzos.So,they sent for a "confirmation".Now they are tellin me I have Valium in my system.How can this be?The only thing I have been taking is Methadone, %26 Valerian.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi John,

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine and if you have been taking it for a long time there is the possibility that it has built up in your system.  Metabolites of a benzo like Clonazepam can apparently be stored in your fatty tissue for some time.  

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine the same as clonazepam.  The word "valium" wouldn't come up on a drug test as it is a brand name, so if someone said you have "Valium" in your urine, perhaps they were referring to benzos in general, rather than a specific type.  Also, some tests that I have seen show up positive for benzodiazepines (which includes the clonazepam you were taking before) rather than being specific, and there is sometimes an asterix (*) next to the benzodiazepine results that refers you to the specific metabolites at the bottom of the test page.

Personally I don't like drug screening.  It says "I don't trust you" pretty much, and often means there is little attempt at building a trusting and respectful relationship - but of course you are in the US and I haven't seen the words "trusting" and "respectful" when talking about drug users in that country unless there is a "dis" in front of them!

Good luck John and whatever you choose to do, do it safely!

Jacqui