Entrance drug test

[dayanara]

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!

[dayanara]

I will. But I'm not worried about my drug test coming back positive for Effexor, but for some other substance present on the med that will cause the test to come back positive for something else. That was my real concern.

Thank you.

[PedsHopeful]

Im gonna go out on a limb and say that her drug test worries have nothing to do with her prescription which is very easy to prove and everything to do with a recreational drug she knows will show up and has no business showing up. Just a guess.

[afterseason, ASN, RN]

If your test comes up as "non-negative," it will be reviewed by the MRO. You will be contacted by the lab to see if they can determine a medical reason why this would have shown on your drug test. Most labs have a timeframe (say, 24 hours) that they will give you to submit proof (i.e. prescription, doctor's confirmation, etc). I wouldn't stress it. Situations like this are common. I took a drug test that tested for oxycodone, which at the time I was taking as prescribed for a root canal I had done. I simply provided the script when asked and went about my business.

Good luck!

[dayanara]

Thank you Ericabeth...im not gonna stress about it anymore. I don't do drugs, and I have my prescription. So I think it will b ok.

[BritFNP]

An antidepressant is not going to show up on a drug test. An amphetamine like adderol will. You will be fine.

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

They may ask you to list what you are currently taking (Rx or non-Rx) before you do the test. I know that is what they do at my facility. Make sure to tell them everything! Vitamins, OTC, whatever. They shouldn't be denying you because of an Rx med if you have proof on the Rx. Relax.

[Cahoon BSN RN, BSN, RN]

What about benzodiazepines? I read in the nurses with disabilities thread that they may effect licensing or hiring? This would be with a prescription of course.