ADHD, Ritalin, and Drug Tests

Nurses General Nursing

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This is nuts!!

I'm a new nurse, also fairly recently diagnosed with ADHD. I take 10mg of ritalin bid, just enough to help me focus.

My facility doesn't do drug tests, but I have a new physician (my family doctor of 10 plus years moved away) who ordered a bunch of tests, including a drug test to measure compliance.

I take my meds faithfully, but the test came back negative! My doctor is all concerned, and wondering where exactly my drugs are going since I appear to not be taking them!

It seems so odd to be WANTING a positive drug test, but I'm really stumped. I really need this rx to be safe in practicing. Does anyone have any experience with this, or knowlege about ritalin testing? I believe it was just a general drug test, nothing specific.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

How was the test timed in relation to your doses?

My understanding has always been that Ritalin leaves your system quickly, especially if you're taking regular and not an extended release form. If you took a dose at 1 PM today, then got tested in the AM before taking your AM dose, then I'd be surprised if it showed up.

Also, I find drug testing to check for compliance a bit bizarre. I've never heard of anyone doing this before, and I have a husband and two sons with ADHD who have all been on meds at one time or another.

BTW, if your employer ever decides to start drug testing, just let them know that you take the Ritalin, and be prepared to show them your prescription bottle. You haven't "failed" a drug test if you test positive for something you are supposed to be taking.

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Specializes in RN CRRN.

It leaves your system so fast make sure you take it before the test (on schedule though) I dont see how it can test compliance because it is out of your system so fast. Does he know this as a doctor. Do your own research and be ready with answers and documentation.

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I used to take Ritalin up to 60mg BID for Narcolepsy. I have since switched to Adderall. I took a employment physical back when I was taking Ritalin and was shocked not to get a phone call regarding the ritalin. Ritalin is not on the general panel for a urine drug screen. Adderall is on that screen. I don't have a link but there are resources out there to tell you how long to expect a drug in the sx. I worked AODA previously and it was a helpful tool in figuring out use timelines. Hope this helps.

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I'm sorry......I would not be submitting to a drug screen to test for compliance.......

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