Nail Tpapn

[Oldpro1985]

I am ready to begin tpapn however I was unaware about not taking over the counter drugs. I take Advil pm and Tylenol pm and benedryl for sleep. What do I do if my initial drug screen is a hair or nail test? Should I wait a year to let my toenails regrow before starting so it will not show up? Do they allow you to disclose this upfront before you begin? Any information is appreciated.

thanks

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

I think the likelihood your first test is hair or nail is low, although others may have different experiences. Although OTC can return as false positives, it is a rare occurrence and I would just avoid these moving forward. It seems over the top to want to restart your program in a year for a possible false positive. Hope this helps.

[nurse.etc]

I'm in a different state program, but my initial test was a hair test as well as a urine.

This would be a good question for your case manager. Still, I will give my input. A large portion of us used hard drugs or alchohol just prior to getting into these programs and many popped positives for those on initial screens and continued moved forward knowing we would. I wouldn't delay entering the program because of a fear of popping positive for anything on the intial. The limit of the otc benadryl use will take affect once you sign the contract but I dont believe it will hinder or even effect your contract at all if you test positive for it. Unless you continue to use them without a doctors note while in the program.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

According to the USDTL website on what panels test for what on hair and fingernails (google USDTL.com/assets/hairnailpanels-blue.pdf) testing, It says that diphenhydramine is an add on or stand alone test in the group panels. Does that mean that these programs add that test on? Like J. Adderton says above, not likely first time around. Somehow, I think there’s bigger fish to fry when they are looking for things with this stuff.

I do think that it’s one of the things (of many) that programs insist you avoid (because all people under contract have addiction issues, don’tcha know) because of the potential for being addicted to it.

I do agree, I would avoid it going forward. My personal choice for sleep help is melatonin. They start complaining about something like that....

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

The rehab program I went through used Trazadone for sleep. I started taking during this time and it still works well for me. Just like any medication, I send in all required documentation.

[Persephone Paige, ADN]

I would tell them what you told us. They know we can't sleep. Stop now though... Melatonin is what I use. Benadryl is terrible for sinuses, I always ended up with stalactites hanging from the roof of my sinuses.

[Kel65, MSN, RN]

I'm TPAPN. They rarely do nail or hair. You are allowed motrin and Tylenol. Do not use Benadryl, it is tested for and a friend tested positive and had to go back to the board. I did have a fasle positive for marijuana due to Motrin used directly prior to testing but this was cleared as negative with further testing.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

Whatever OTC items you may need for allergies and the like, some programs will let you get a script from your doctor and report it as a regular medication. In mine (and I suspect all) the Sudafed from behind the pharmacy counter is a no no because of the pseudoephedrine. You can have the stuff out on the floor as it’s phenylephrine. Be careful that it’s just the plain though. No, -D or any dextromethorphan etc. That’s another nope in thier book. Unfortunately you will find that regardless of your DOC, if any, programs don’t care if you are sick to the point of coughing up a lung....

Due to allergies, I have had a head full of snot since 2014. As I prefer to deal with the program as little as possible, I will take snot over ‘begging’ those people to let me take care of myself.

For the duration of the contract, you’re going to have to be so very careful of everything that crosses your lips. Read labels on sauces and think about this stuff when you go out. Marsala in a restaurant does not necessarily have the alcohol cooked out of it. For most, it’s stupid as ****, but it’s reality.

As far as sleep help goes, the two top contenders are trazodone and melatonin. As posters above have said document, document and keep records. When in doubt, go though thier medication protocol. Let them tell you it’s okay. I’ve done it when I’ve needed muscle relaxers and steroids. I do draw the line at being in that much pain.