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What Causes A False-positive Urine Drug Screen While On Sedative Drugs?
Question: I failed a urine drug screen, showing positive for sedatives life Valium diazepam and some others I don't remember. I am using a prescribed 25mcg/72 hrs. Fentynel patch, so am required to take a random drug test by my provider. I do not and have not taken ANY of the drugs that showed up in my urine. My doctor is running a second test, different lab, same hospital but I'm concerned it will come back false positive again - here's my question; can medical marijuana produce a false positive result for other sededitive type drugs? I also take ibuprofen, some Tylenol, low dose baby aspirin,and prescribed neuroxen, plavix, Crestor, norvasc and I use estrovace cream for bladder control.
I'd like to know why my urine is showing false positive for the other type sedative drugs (I can't remember what they're called but it includes things Valium and diazepam - I can't recall others on the list.???
I'd like to know why my urine is showing false positive for the other type sedative drugs (I can't remember what they're called but it includes things Valium and diazepam - I can't recall others on the list.???
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question.
A false-positive urine drug screen (UDS) is rare, but can happen. Sometimes medications can cause the false-positive results you mention (benzodiazepines including Valium). Sertraline, an antidepressant, is one drug known to cause a false-positive Valium result. None of the medications you are taking would cause a false-positive for sedatives. Medical marijuana, if dispensed by a certified dispensary, would also not cause a false-positive UDS for sedatives. However, marijuana obtained illegally can cause positives as the content of that marijuana is not regulated and often includes several substances.
In short, your UDS may be a rare false-positive, or may have been switched with another patient's, causing these results. None of your current medications, including medical marijuana, would cause a false-positive UDS for sedatives.
Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question.
A false-positive urine drug screen (UDS) is rare, but can happen. Sometimes medications can cause the false-positive results you mention (benzodiazepines including Valium). Sertraline, an antidepressant, is one drug known to cause a false-positive Valium result. None of the medications you are taking would cause a false-positive for sedatives. Medical marijuana, if dispensed by a certified dispensary, would also not cause a false-positive UDS for sedatives. However, marijuana obtained illegally can cause positives as the content of that marijuana is not regulated and often includes several substances.
In short, your UDS may be a rare false-positive, or may have been switched with another patient's, causing these results. None of your current medications, including medical marijuana, would cause a false-positive UDS for sedatives.
Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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