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My program allows you to show them proof of any prescriptions BEFORE you take the drug test. I am on Ritalin and technically its an amphetamine. So, I brought proof of my prescription. That is all you have to do. They are not looking for antidepressants on the drug screen. They are looking for pain pills, meth, pot stuff like that.
They can do more specific testing to confirm what the substance is that's causing the positive. When I googled it, I got an article with a case study of a woman who was taking high dose Effexor who tested positive for PCP and they were able to say it was a false positive by doing further urine/blood testing. In this particular case study, the patient was also taking Lamotrigine and that's another one that's also known to cause false positives for PCP (I had a 9 year old test positive for PCP because of this medication once.)
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if you have questions about what metabolite this drug may have i suggest you speak to your pcp. legal prescribed prescription meds are usually allowed to be taken.
i wish you luck on your nursing journey:d
I don't think you will have a problem. Believe me, a LOT of nurses take anti depression meds just to be able to function as a person, and they are fantastic nurses. It won't show on a narcotic screen because...it's NOT a narcotic. In my opinion, taking meds for depression is no different than taking lasix for CHF. It's a manageable condition but you gotta take the meds! :)
dayanara
85 Posts
I asked this question before, and it was not answered because I didn't ask correctly.
I'm very worried about my upcoming drug test which is required to start the nursing program.
I'm taking Effexor XR, which was prescribed by my physician for depression.
Will I have any problems with the drug test? I don't want to be denied entrance to the program just because I'm taking an antidepressant! Please help!