Expert: Nigel Simmons - 7/10/2007

Question
  My wife was recently drug tested for a job and she lost the job because her test came back positive for serax(Oxazepam) Benzodiazepines at 304 ng/ml. I know for a fact that she has never taken or even heard of Serax....but she does have a prescription for Xanax (Alprazolam) that she has been on for years due to Fybromyalgia. I have researched the internet and she has called her doctor due to this and even the doctor said that xanax can cause another Benzodiazepine to show up. Would like to know what your thoughts were on this. Very frustrating for her to lose a great job she has been wanting for years over a false positive drug test......especially when she has a prescription for a benzodiazepine. Can Xanax cause this false positive?       Thank you

Answer
Russell

I suspect that the test your wife was picked up with was testing for benzodiazepines in general, rather than one drug in particular. Even if the testers say it is oxazepam, it's quite likely that diazepam, nitrazepam and alprazolam (Xanax) would all give a positive result. More precise laboratory analysis would be needed to show any difference.

As the test is looking for the common part of the chemical structure for all benzodiazepines, I'm afraid it cannot be described as a false positive result.

Having taken and failed the test, it may not be possible to recover the situation with respect to this job, though it may be worth trying and offering the employer medical evidence that the Xanax was being used legally under medical supervision. Likewise, it would be advisible to have a suitable (recent) document to show to prospective employers before taking any test.

Ultimately the employer will have the final decision and for some jobs they may consider that any benzodiazepine use would be unacceptable. However for others it may be acceptable with justification and possibly supervision by a company health specialist.

My recommendation would be to be up front and honest in discussions with all employers and get an understanding of their policy. In most cases they are avoiding drug misuse, but understandably an airline or rail company would want to avoid anyone who may (event without their knowning) be compromised by the sedative effects of benzodiazipines. Some may be more understanding as there are legitimate reasons for using benzodiazepines and it is at least morally wrong to discriminate against someone being treated for one condition, while accepting use of beta blockers for another. Ultimately though it is the employer's call.

I hope this helps.