Drug testing for Employment

[Lindamom]

Does anyone know if regular anti-depressants like Lexapro would show up on a drug screen for employment at a hospital/health facility? Can employees work at these facilities if they are on ADD or anti-anxiety meds?

[NBMom1225]

To my knowledge, antidepressants do not show up on routine pre-employment drug screens. Medications for ADD or anxiety (for example Ritalin and Xanax) will show a positive result, but as long as you have a prescription for them it is not a barrier to being hired. Just bring all of your prescription bottles with you, most employers will Xerox the labels (so make sure they aren't expired) and keep that in your file so the positive results can be correlated to your prescribed meds...good luck with getting the job!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

It's not the use that's the problem, it's unauthorized use that gets employers upset :) .

If you have a prescription, bring it. End of problem.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Generally, they don't go after antidepressants in a UDS; they're more interested in the amphetamines, benzos and opiates as well as the illegal substances. That being said, facility policies can vary widely.

When completing any pre-testing paperwork, be sure to indicate ALL of the medications that you have taken--medication history from the last week is a good guideline. List prescription medications as well as OTCs and herbal medications. Be prepared to bring in your bottles/script if necessary...expect to do this if you are taking a schedule (controlled) substance.

[MunoRN, RN]

Employers often allow prescription drug use, however this isn't always the case. Some employers do screen for legally prescribed and used drugs, my facility does not allow direct care staff to take any benzo's or opiates unless they are on leave from work (whether or not these are prescribed makes no difference), they do allow SSRI's though.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

we do not test for that class of drugs. However, in my state if you are on anything that can impair your judgment you are liable for the outcomes, whether you had an RX or not. But your question had to do with hiring and we would probably hire you if all else was ok.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Not certain whether our screen will show. It's possible.

As stated if it does show, an explanation would be appropriate... and likely required.

[bellabonita]

Would I get in a lot of trouble for taking unprescribed adderall? It was only one dose. Ever. I am not a drug abuser.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Would depend on two things:

The time between ingestion of the med, and testing; and

Whether the test includes the med in its scope. (Don't know if our's does.)

[Mountain Mike]

It's not the use that's the problem, it's unauthorized use that gets employers upset :) .

If you have a prescription, bring it. End of problem.

Medications for ADD (for example Ritalin) will show a positive result, but as long as you have a prescription for them it is not a barrier to being hired. Just bring all of your prescription bottles with you, most employers will Xerox the labels (so make sure they aren't expired) and keep that in your file so the positive results can be correlated to your prescribed meds...good luck with getting the job!

That is not the case with commercial driving jobs. The DOT does not allow certain medications to drive a commercial vehicle even if you are taking the legally. Adderol and Depakote are two examples, so you can show all the labels you want but you still won't be allowed to drive a truck or a bus. You won't get prosecuted but you'll lose your driving job. If you're lucky, they might transition you to dispatcher so you'll still have a job but you'll never get behind the wheel.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

That is not the case with commercial driving jobs. The DOT does not allow certain medications to drive a commercial vehicle even if you are taking the legally. Adderol and Depakote are two examples, so you can show all the labels you want but you still won't be allowed to drive a truck or a bus. You won't get prosecuted but you'll lose your driving job. If you're lucky, they might transition you to dispatcher so you'll still have a job but you'll never get behind the wheel.

Darlin', you are on a nursing forum. Not a truck driving forum.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Darlin', you are on a nursing forum. Not a truck driving forum.

And resurrecting a two year old thread.