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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Can Cause False Positive In Drug Test For Benzodiazepines?

hi I am in a methadone clinic I ve been clean for 2 years. I recently tested positive on a saliva swab drug test for benzodiazepines. I was shocked so I told them I don t know why or how this could have happened so. I had them send it for a confirmation test and they said that the benzo I tested for was called temazepam. I never even heard of this.. I m completely clueless and angry and confused I know I haven t took anything AT ALL nothing and no reason that I should have tested positive for this. I have no idea what could cause this any suggestions any help would be much appreciated and thanks in advance.
Wed, 2 Nov 2016
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand your concern. There is no medical data on the link between methadone and a false positive test for benzodiazepines. However, taking over the counter drugs such as Tylenol, Advil and even Benadryl can lead to a false positive for benzos.
If you haven't been taking any of these medications, there is a very high chance that methadone is the culprit. In any case, asking and insisting to be retested is the sensible thing to do. Verification with a different screening test or additional analytical tests is mandatory in such cases in order to avoid any inconveniences and adverse consequences for the patient.

Wishing you good heath and all the best.
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What Can Cause False Positive In Drug Test For Benzodiazepines?

Hello, I understand your concern. There is no medical data on the link between methadone and a false positive test for benzodiazepines. However, taking over the counter drugs such as Tylenol, Advil and even Benadryl can lead to a false positive for benzos. If you haven t been taking any of these medications, there is a very high chance that methadone is the culprit. In any case, asking and insisting to be retested is the sensible thing to do. Verification with a different screening test or additional analytical tests is mandatory in such cases in order to avoid any inconveniences and adverse consequences for the patient. Wishing you good heath and all the best.