Entrance drug test

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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!

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If that question it just show them your perscription.

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The problem is that I did some research on the med and it gives a false-positive for PCP on the drug test.

Do you think they will know the test came positive because of the med and not because I'm actually doing drugs??

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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.

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Specializes in Pedi.

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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For my drug test, we were told if your results are flagged at all because of a prescription you just have to provide proof of a doctors prescription. I think you will be fine :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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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

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Thank you all for replying. And yes Esme12, I already asked my PCP and he said the Effexor will not show on the drug test. And I am on a Low dose, so I'm just going to take my prescription with me, and may the Lord help me go through this.

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Specializes in L&D.

I would bring the script with you and show it to them. Also let the director of the program know what you are taking. I know some people who were on Adderal had to let the BON know b/c they would show positive.

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I will! Thank u Katie!

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Specializes in Thoracic Cardiovasc ICU Med-Surg.

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! :)

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Specializes in ED.

Would you just take your medicine bottle with you?

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