Drug Test & IV Therapy

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I will be submitting a drug test prior to the fall semester for school. I am wondering if Flexiril (I have severe tension headaches) & Celexa (helps control anxiety & mild depression) will be seen on the test. I am almost sure they will be. Should I just take prescriptions with me to the test or inform the nursing school?

Also, I get IV therapy every two weeks for an ankle condition (have no cartilage & a synovial fluid problem) & am wondering if I need to have my PCP write a letter to the school about it. They can only start an IV in my right arm & I am a hard start so sometimes it takes more than one stick & consequently kind of looks like I am doing other things than a prescribed treatment.

Thanks so much for the input!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Cardiology, Geriatrics.

When you go for the drug test, as long as you tell them what meds you're on (yes, bring the bottles with you), you should be fine. You don't need to tell the school. They may not show up. I was told that Vicodin doesn't even show up on some tests when I had one (had a neck injury at the time), and it didn't. Wear long sleeves when you have bruises, and be honest if asked. Don't stress so much. I doubt your school will start making assumptions. Your instructors are seasoned nurses, and they know real drug use when they see it. You can get a note from your PCP if you want, but I wouldn't say anything or submit said letter unless asked. You don't want assumptions made that you're too weak or incapable of doing your clinical duties.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good point. Thanks for the advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

Neither drug should show up on a tox screen. I know for a fact that flexeril won't, and I can't imagine SSRIs showing up either.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@ Mike A. Fungin RN - Thanks for your input! :o

As I understand, it is a 12 panel drug screen. Not sure if that makes any difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I will be submitting a drug test prior to the fall semester for school. I am wondering if Flexiril (I have severe tension headaches) & Celexa (helps control anxiety & mild depression) will be seen on the test. I am almost sure they will be. Should I just take prescriptions with me to the test or inform the nursing school?

Also, I get IV therapy every two weeks for an ankle condition (have no cartilage & a synovial fluid problem) & am wondering if I need to have my PCP write a letter to the school about it. They can only start an IV in my right arm & I am a hard start so sometimes it takes more than one stick & consequently kind of looks like I am doing other things than a prescribed treatment.

Thanks so much for the input!

Everyone blows this drug testing thing out of proportion and they think they have to tell everyone about everything they are taking....BEFORE they are given any instruction at all.

You have a legal right to be treated within the scope of a physicians care and just because you get a drug test, doesn't mean your right to privacy flies out the window.

Your school will provide you with a DETAILED list of instructions on what to do with regards of the drug test and what is required. I can assure you...you are not the only classmate that is taking medications for chronic conditions.

What you need to do, is get a printout (bringing the bottles is not necessary) from the pharmacy regarding the medication you are taking...very few people realize that ALL pharmacies provide this service..bring that with you to the drug test. Be sure to keep track of any OTC's you have taken within the last 30 days.

Then ASK the examiner what their policy is regarding any medications.

They will tell you one of two things:

Less likely.....

Give them the prescription list in it's entirety.

More likely...and this is what most drug-testing companies do now....

You take the test FIRST and IF they need you to confirm a particular type of drug, they will ask you to bring in your prescriptions.

That is it.

But you never, ever need to call, e-mail, provide any information EVER (to a school, employer, etc)...on medicaitons you are taking unless you are given WRITTEN instructions to do so.

Don't worry about how the bruises look...that is why you are taking the drug test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

when you take a drug test you tell them what your on and if you test positive you provide prescrips

Up Vote Up Vote ×

IF you fail it, just prove you take the meds you were prescribed... no biggie. Now if you pop positive for stuff like THC or PCP, your upstream without a paddle... haha

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical/ Trauma critical care.

Stop stressing out over nothing, those two drugs do not show on drug but if it makes you feel better bring the two bottles and tell them you take them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.

I do drug testing. You are not allowed to "tell" anyone what you are taking before or during the drug test. The collector is only the collector. It is not like when, many years ago, you could "declare" what you were on. Now, you simply do the drug test, if something shows positive, you will be called by the MRO (medical review officer), and he/she will ask you questions about what they need info on. That is the only person you will need to tell anything to. Drug testing protocol and procedure is a set standard, and it does not vary from place to place.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment