Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 3/25/2009

Question
I had a false positive for benzos on a urine drug test. I take esgic plus (generic form) which contains butalbital, caffeine and acetaminophen. I also take a tylenol pm to help me sleep. Would this cause the false positive for the benzos. Please help!!

Answer
Dear Sandy

None of these drugs should cause a false positive for benzos but thay may be interested in the butobarbital.

False positives (as are false negatives) are relatively common as many laboratories in the US (where testing has become big business) use poor analytical techniques and are after making easy money. All experts in this field on this site get frequent similar questions.

I would ask for a retest at a different laboratory.

I really cannot say much more.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith