Expert: Barbara Judge - 5/30/2009

Question
To Whom this may concern,
I recently was issued a random drug test (urine) from my employer on 5/26/09. I am currently prescribed Suboxone, Xanax, Inderal, Vistaril, and I take ibuprofen when needed for pain. I received a phone call from our company's MRO saying I tested positive for alprazolam and diazepam. I provided the necessary proof for my prescription for alprazolam but declared the test positive for diazepam. I have never been prescribed diazepam, nor have I ever ingested the drug. I have been doing research since 8am this morning, because as of now I have lost my job and everything that comes with it. From the information I have provided you, and based on your professional opinion, why has my test come back positive for a drug I have never taken? I am a complete mess, and I feel hopeless. I am curious to know (since Suboxone is fairly new in the states) if a combination of the meds I take resulted in a false positive for diazepam? My prescribing physician plans to contact the MRO on Monday (hopefully), but until then I...can't put in to words the way I am feeling. I hope and pray you can help me. Thank you for your time.

Answer
    To my knowledge there are no drug tests in the United States that test for specific drugs, ie alprazolam vs. diazepam.  The drug tests performed in the U.S. test for drug classes, such as benzodiazepines.  Neither alprazolam nor diazepam is excreted unchanged in urine.  So, I am not sure about the entire scenario as it has been presented.  Your doctor should talk to your employer.  I have no explanation for your drug test results.

Thanks

Barb Judge