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Would Ativan And Zoloft Show Up In A Drug Test?

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: I'm talking a pre employment drug test for a public transportation agency. I have a prescription for Ativan , last time I took a Ativan .5mg was Tuesday , my test is on monad should I be concerned about this.I am also taking 150mg of Zoloft a day, do they test for this and should I volunteer this information .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It can be detected up to a week

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.

I have read your query and understood your concerns.

Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug which comes under a category of controlled drugs and available and should be taken with prescription only. After single dose of 1 to 10 mg, it can be detected for a week in your system. In case a person is taking higher dose for long duration then it can be detected for more than a month after last dose. In your case, you are taking 0.5 mg of ativan for long duration, so it can be detected in blood or urine screen for more than a week. If the test is on Monday then there are very high chances that ativan can be detected.

They usually do not test for zoloft or other similar drugs but they definitely test for benzodiazepine and you are taking ativan [lorzepam], a benzodiazepine.

I feel that if you have a prescription available and you are taking under the observation of a doctor then you should not hide this information and you should tell this to employment agency. You should also tell about zoloft.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query then I shall be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (45 hours later)
I do have prescription for Ativan . 0.5 as needed, took on 4/11/15 drug test on 4/20/15.do they care if you have a prescription or will you be failed even if you do have one. Is their a stigma with employers about this drug.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Requirements must be written in your application form

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

Your body must be cleaned from the drug if you were taking occasionally but since you have taken ativan for so long, it can be detected during drug screen.

Your employment application form must have given the requirements for the job. You have applied for a job public transportation agency, so if you have applied for a job of driving public transport vehicle then your prescription can create problems.

Ativan is a sedative drug, so they may be concern regarding the drowsiness that develops after ativan. Because you are taking minimal dose, it should not interfere with your physical fitness. Physical fitness and absence of drug use is the primary requirement for any kind of job. Screening for the drugs is major part in physical fitness by employment agency for jobs which involves operating heavy machines, construction work, driving heavy vehicles etc. Because mistake by the employee can put lives of other's in danger.

So, you can show your prescription for the drugs to employment agency and tell them for which purpose you have been taking it. There is nothing else you can do for it.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ravi Soni

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 538 Questions

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Would Ativan And Zoloft Show Up In A Drug Test?

Brief Answer: It can be detected up to a week Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing through HCM. I have read your query and understood your concerns. Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug which comes under a category of controlled drugs and available and should be taken with prescription only. After single dose of 1 to 10 mg, it can be detected for a week in your system. In case a person is taking higher dose for long duration then it can be detected for more than a month after last dose. In your case, you are taking 0.5 mg of ativan for long duration, so it can be detected in blood or urine screen for more than a week. If the test is on Monday then there are very high chances that ativan can be detected. They usually do not test for zoloft or other similar drugs but they definitely test for benzodiazepine and you are taking ativan [lorzepam], a benzodiazepine. I feel that if you have a prescription available and you are taking under the observation of a doctor then you should not hide this information and you should tell this to employment agency. You should also tell about zoloft. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query then I shall be happy to help. Wish you good health.