Doxylamine (the active ingredient in Unisom) can also trigger a positive drug result for methadone, opiates, and PCP. AntihistaminesĪntihistamines and some sleep aids containing diphenhydramine (like Benadryl ) could cause a false positive result for PCP or methadone. AntidepressantsĪntidepressants - such as Wellbutrin ( bupropion ), Prozac ( fluoxetine ), Seroquel ( quetiapine ), Effexor ( venlafaxine ), trazodone, and amitriptyline -could cause a false positive result for amphetamines or LSD. Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can also lead to a false positive result for opiates. They have been shown to trigger a false positive urine result for opiates. Quinolone antibiotics, such as Levaquin ( levofloxacin ) or Cipro ( ciprofloxacin ) are commonly prescribed for certain infections (urinary tract, sinus, etc.). Common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) could make you test positive for barbiturates and THC (marijuana/cannabinoids) and ibuprofen can also make you test positive for PCP. The pain medication tramadol could trigger a false positive result for PCP. The medication Daypro ( oxaprozin), which is prescribed for types of arthritis, may result in a false positive test for benzodiazepines. So, if you are like most people who don’t take the time to study the fine print, here is a list of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that could cause a false positive drug test. 13 medications that cause false positive drug tests It’s important to note that no drug test is 100% accurate. While urine drug tests are most commonly used, their accuracy depends on a number of factors, including the frequency of drug use and the how fast the drug is metabolized by the body. Research suggests that 10% to 15% of drug tests yield false negative results.
“It is usually in the fine print and most people, in my experience, don’t read the material given to them by the pharmacist. When it comes to prescriptions, “ warnings are available, but usually only if you look for them,” s ays Brent McFadden, Pharm.D., the owner of Brent’s Pharmacy & Diabetes Care in St. That’s because common over-the-counter medications can result in false positives for these substances. According to one study, false positive drug tests are most commonly reported for amphetamine and methamphetamine. Several common prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, vitamins, and even some foods could trigger a false positive drug test. Although this is not a high percentage, the consequences for failing a drug test could jeopardize your career, education, or job prospects. Research conducted at Boston Medical Center shows that drug tests produce false positives in 5% to 10% of cases. Drugs that are typically screened for include amphetamines/methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, methadone, and opioids (narcotics). What is a false positive drug test?Ī “false positive” result occurs when the analytical drug detection method recognizes some of the molecules in the body as illegal drugs when you haven’t ingested any illegal substances. It can feel a little unnerving to be asked to take a drug test, and it is important to know that there are some medications and other substances that could cause a false positive drug test result. The test itself is simple and painless, and only requires a urine sample. Urine drug screens are the most common test (although other body fluids may be analyzed).
There are several instances where you may be asked to complete a drug test-employers may require one when you’re applying for a new job, or if you are a student or an athlete.