Can You Get a False Positive Drug Test from Medications?

| July 1, 2019

You go to the doctor for an ailment and he prescribes you a medication. You follow the directions carefully, are regimented to take your medication on time, and never miss a dose. Then your employer performs a random drug test for everyone in the office. Despite not using or abusing drugs, the results say that you’ve failed your drug test.

What happened?

You might be surprised to learn that false positive drug tests due to medication are becoming more common. A 2010 report shows the following medications have been known to cause false positive drug tests:

  • Brompheniramine
  • Bupropion
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Clomipramine
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Doxylamine
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Promethazine
  • Quetiapine
  • Quinolones (ofloxacin and gatifloxacin)
  • Ranitidine
  • Sertraline
  • Thioridazine
  • Trazodone
  • Venlafaxine
  • Verapamil

In 2018, another study discovered false positives from mexiletine, a drug given for the treatment of arrhythmia. As research probes deeper, more and more common medications are being attributed to so many false positive drug test results.

Don’t lose your job over a false positive drug test! If you’ve failed your drug test but suspect it is a false positive, you can request a new drug test.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!