What Drugs Will Make You Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, they can also be abused and can lead to addiction. If you’re taking a drug test, it’s important to know which drugs could make you test positive for benzodiazepines. In this article, we’ll look at some of the medications that can trigger a positive benzodiazepine drug test.

What Drugs Can Cause a False Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, or muscle spasms. Because of their ability to cause sedation and treat certain psychiatric illnesses, they are often abused. As a result, many employers and government agencies require drug testing for benzodiazepines. Unfortunately, certain other medications and substances can cause a person to test positive for benzodiazepines, even if they have not taken them.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as cold and sinus medications, can cause a false positive for benzodiazepines on a drug test. These medications contain antihistamines and decongestants, which can cause a person to test positive for benzodiazepines. Additionally, some supplements, such as melatonin, can cause a false positive result.

Prescription Medications

Certain prescription medications can also cause a false positive for benzodiazepines. Antidepressants, such as Sertraline and Bupropion, can cause a false positive result. Additionally, some antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, can cause a person to test positive for benzodiazepines.

Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs can also cause a false positive for benzodiazepines. Marijuana, for example, can cause a person to test positive for benzodiazepines. Additionally, some hallucinogens, such as LSD, can cause a person to test positive for benzodiazepines.

What Can You Do if You Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

If you test positive for benzodiazepines, the first thing you should do is speak with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to identify any medications or substances you may have taken that could have caused a false positive result. Additionally, your doctor may be able to provide documentation of any medications you have taken that could have caused a false positive.

Request a Confirmatory Test

If you believe that you have taken a medication or substance that could have caused a false positive, you should request a confirmatory test. A confirmatory test will identify the specific medication or substance in your system. This can help to confirm or refute any false positive results.

Request a Retest

If you are unable to obtain a confirmatory test, you may request a retest. A retest is a second test that is conducted using a different sample. Depending on the type of test, a retest may be conducted using a urine, blood, or saliva sample.

What Can You Do to Avoid False Positive Results?

If you are taking any medications or supplements, it is important to inform your doctor and the laboratory conducting the test. Additionally, if you are taking any illicit drugs, it is important to inform your doctor and the laboratory. This will help to ensure that you do not receive a false positive result.

Avoid Certain Medications

If you are taking any medications or supplements, it is important to avoid those that can cause a false positive for benzodiazepines. This includes some over-the-counter medications, such as cold and sinus medications, and some supplements, such as melatonin. Additionally, certain prescription medications, such as antidepressants, can cause a false positive for benzodiazepines.

Learn About the Test

It is also important to learn about the type of test you will be taking. Different tests can detect different medications and substances. Additionally, some tests may have a lower threshold for detecting certain medications and substances. Knowing the type of test you will be taking can help you to prepare and avoid a false positive result.

Related Faq

What is a Benzodiazepine?

A benzodiazepine is a type of psychoactive drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines work by binding to the GABA receptors in the brain, which increases the calming effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. They are typically short-acting drugs, with effects lasting from a few hours to a few days.

What Drugs Will Make You Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Common benzodiazepines that will cause a positive test result include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), clonazepam (Klonopin), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Other drugs that may result in a positive test for benzodiazepines include certain barbiturates, hypnotics, sedatives, and antihistamines. Some of these drugs, such as phenobarbital, are not prescribed as frequently as benzodiazepines, but may still be present in the body from long-term use or from exposure to certain environmental contaminants.

What is the Risk of Testing Positive for Benzodiazepines?

The risk of testing positive for benzodiazepines depends on the drug in question and the test being performed. A urine test may be able to detect benzodiazepines for up to several days after the last dose, while a blood test may be able to detect them for up to a week. If a person has been taking a benzodiazepine as prescribed, they may test positive if the test is sensitive enough. However, if a person is taking a drug that is not prescribed, or is taking a benzodiazepine in a higher dose than recommended, they may test positive for a longer period of time.

Can Over-the-Counter Medication Make You Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

It is possible for certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications to cause a false-positive test result for benzodiazepines. This is because some OTC medications contain ingredients that are similar in structure to the benzodiazepines. For example, certain cold and flu medications contain antihistamines that may be detected as benzodiazepines on a drug test.

Can Dietary Supplements Make You Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Certain dietary supplements have been known to cause a false-positive result on a drug test for benzodiazepines. This is because some supplements contain ingredients that are similar in structure to benzodiazepines. For example, certain supplements containing melatonin, valerian root, or kava kava may cause a false-positive result on a drug test for benzodiazepines.

How Can You Avoid a False Positive Test for Benzodiazepines?

The best way to avoid a false-positive test result for benzodiazepines is to be aware of any medications or supplements you are taking that may contain ingredients that could be detected as benzodiazepines on a drug test. If you are taking a medication or supplement that could cause a false-positive result, it is important to inform the test administrator before the test is conducted. Additionally, it is important to read the labels of any medications or supplements you are taking to make sure they do not contain any ingredients that may be detected as benzodiazepines.

What are Benzodiazepines and How Do You Drug Test For Them?

The answer to this question is a complex one, as there are many drugs that can make you test positive for benzodiazepines, depending on the type of test used. Whether the drug is prescribed or recreational, it is important to always be aware of potential drug interactions and the consequences of using drugs that can cause a positive test result for benzodiazepines. Knowing the facts about these drugs, as well as being aware of any potential risks, can help ensure that you stay safe and healthy.