Just got hired and heard that Zoloft can come up as a Benzo on drug test?

[sweetnlow4]

Hello,

I just got hired and have heard that Zoloft can sometimes cause a false positive for Benzo's? I find it hard to believe since their properties are different...however I have read several articles regarding this...Now I am concerned...any input would be helpful. Also I took an Ambien 4 days prior to my test...would that show up as well. Yes I understand the Half-Life concept but it is different for everyone and metabolism plays a big role and my metabolism is ZERO....LOL....kidding...(have gained a lot of weight since nursing school)...Thank you...:redbeathe

[stephie_love]

Ambien will not bother your test. I take it regularly and it didn't show up on mine.

If you have a script, there is no problem. They are looking for what I call the 'heavy hitter' drugs and in large quantities in your system. Chill, my dear :) You'll be fine.

[kellyc034]

Zoloft will not show up as a benzo, because it is not a benzo. Ambien will not either, it is a sedative/hypnotic but not in the benzo category. I take both and have not ever had a problem. Also, an old prescription is still valid if you still have the medication and produce proof of the original script from your pharmacy. I know Walgreens will just print out a list of your past prescriptions for you with no problem.

I am not usually one to make sarcastic comments on here......but, did you not have pharmacology in nursing school?

Also, if they ask for a list of medications you take, why on earth would you not put something on it you took only days before? Really?

Ugh.

Kelly

[chicklet74]

Not listing something you take because you don't want to not be offered the job is dishonest. Its no different than lying on an application.

[I<3H2O, BSN, RN]

Because I thought that the hospital would find out and not offer me the job...

I would imagine that a professional would not look down on someone because they took an antidepressant.

[SweetseRN]

Most drug tests are a typical 5 panel, PCP, THC, Opiates, Cocaine and Amphetamines. They USUALLY only look for benzo if the suspect or have reason to test specifically for that. I take a benzo and an SSNRI and I have some sympathy for this situation because I did feel a little awkward putting these meds down on the list of what I take because like it or not, there is still a stigma and in fact, the doc that did my pre hire physical asked about my anxiety/depression which by the way is very well controlled but honestly I didn't feel like discussing it. If something shows up, bring your scripts or bottles and you should be fine.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

they want to know about illegal drug usage, op.... nobody cares if you have a valid prescription, but lying about it will probably raise more red flags than having an old ambien prescription (which you might want to throw out, since the expiration day may very well have come and gone).

note to students and new grads: don't hide what meds you take. if you have a valid prescription (for you), nobody cares. they want to know if you're likely to be seen palming someone on a street corner for bags of black tar and blow. legal prescriptions are between you and your pcp- not your employer (except to be honest about them on a questionnaire- which can show up on a post-hire health screen).

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

they want to know about illegal drug usage, op.... nobody cares if you have a valid prescription, but lying about it will probably raise more red flags than having an old ambien prescription (which you might want to throw out, since the expiration day may very well have come and gone).

note to students and new grads: don't hide what meds you take. if you have a valid prescription (for you), nobody cares. they want to know if you're likely to be seen palming someone on a street corner for bags of black tar and blow. legal prescriptions are between you and your pcp- not your employer (except to be honest about them on a questionnaire- which can show up on a post-hire health screen).

you said it with way more tact than i would have been able to.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Because I thought that the hospital would find out and not offer me the job...

So now if they find out via the drug test, what do you think they are going to think of you?! Omission of the facts could lead one to believe you are less than honest and THAT might be what keeps them from offering you a job--not the fact that you have a legal right to possess and take that particular medication....

[sweetnlow4]

So now if they find out via the drug test, what do you think they are going to think of you?! Omission of the facts could lead one to believe you are less than honest and THAT might be what keeps them from offering you a job--not the fact that you have a legal right to possess and take that particular medication....

Yeah...I already called and told them that I forgot to mention it...they were very nice about it. I thought that perhaps it would be looked down on, especially back east..but like you said...its better than looking dishonest...thank you everyone for your posts...

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

There are a lot of meds that do show up as false positives for controlled substances. Just because a medication is not in a tested category doesn't mean it won't show up, falsely.

Another reason to either not take the stuff, or bring in all meds if you get called in (OTCs are at issue as well).

If you're using something legitimately, don't worry about it- just don't hide it :)

[meandragonbrett]

It sounds like you NEED to take a BZD.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

why is everyone jumping down this person's throat- of course he/she is anxious about even getting a job in this climate of hire/fire for no good reason at all.

anyhow, sounds like some good advice was given re: being honest what you take/have prescribed.

i must say- if being on some sort of psych med is wrong , the no one would be getting hired anywhere.

To be a nurse- you must be psychotic lol. i just keeed.....

good luck- i hope you get the job