OTC Drugs and Drug Tests

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by rubbergearsnextyear, Dec 23, 2007.

  1. rubbergearsnextyear

    rubbergearsnextyear Heavy Load Member

    943
    344
    Nov 7, 2007
    Lexington, SC
    0
    I'm sure this is a topic that will help many. I would like to know which over-the-counter drugs will potentially fail a drug test. For example, I've heard that Sudafed can make you screen positive for amphetamines.

    I'm sure this is an issue that many drivers are aware of and I was wondering if there is a list of drugs that drivers should steer clear of.

    Obviously, one wouldn't want to take stuff that makes you drowsy when you're going to be driving 40 tons down the highway.

    I've already got some things for going OTR with such as Pepto Bismol (for when it won't stop coming out) and Ex-Lax (for when it won't start). Pepcid Complete for the truck stop food (heartburn and indigestion, best stuff I've ever used although baking soda works on occasion, but the more extreme stuff, you can't beat pepcid complete as far as non-prescription goes).

    Goodies headache powders (aspirin) and Aleve (Ibuprofen) for aches and pains. What I'm wondering about is what to take for sinuses and colds. There are many choices out there and I just want to be sure I'm taking something that will not fail me on a drug test.

    Any insights drivers?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. longbedGTs

    longbedGTs Heavy Load Member

    974
    717
    May 8, 2007
    Texas
    0
    Excedrin is on the "safe" list. I took it before a drug test and had no problem. Just be sure to note on the form the medicine you took.
    Good idea, this would be a helpful list to know.
     
  4. truckin916

    truckin916 Medium Load Member

    385
    36
    Sep 7, 2007
    Wild Wild West
    0
    To be on the safe side you may want to refrain from taking ANY type of drug even OTC's 48-72 hours prior to any test...that way you don't have to worry about false positives.
     
  5. rubbergearsnextyear

    rubbergearsnextyear Heavy Load Member

    943
    344
    Nov 7, 2007
    Lexington, SC
    0
    What about if the DOT gives you a random on the road? Or the company springs a random on you? You have to know what's okay to take on what's not. I'm not worried about illegal drugs because I don't use them and I would hate to screen positive and lose my job because I took an otc cold remedy.

    I imagine the company probably knows but I figured some experienced drivers would know about it. All I know so far is, stay away from Sudafed.
     
  6. BearGator56

    BearGator56 "The G stands for GOOD!"

    289
    52
    Apr 11, 2006
    Orlando, FL
    0
    Chances are, OTCs will not give you a false positive. It's the prescription stuff that might. As long as you list anything you're taking, you should be fine. Just make sure you have a prescription with your name on it.

    The MRO will call you if there are any questions with your sample. You'll be given a chance to explain anything they find. Although, if you're smoking the Mary Jane, the call is basically going to tell you you're screwed. lol
     
  7. Cybergal

    Cybergal Road Train Member

    6,272
    2,399
    Oct 20, 2008
    0
    YOU should be ok with the OTC's.

    These people are looking for narcotics (controlled substance) in a drug test.
     
  8. truckin916

    truckin916 Medium Load Member

    385
    36
    Sep 7, 2007
    Wild Wild West
    0
    Well, I know when I worked for Schneider that they had a dedicated phone number to call and ask what you can or can't take. So before you take something ask if it's okay. At least then you can try and explain that you were told by your company that it was okay.

    OTC's for the most part should be fine unless they say on the box it causes drowsiness etc...you should also be able to ask your Doctor, tell him you drive truck and want to make sure you aren't taking something that will effect your driving or cause a positive result on a drug test.
    From what I understand DOT does a 5 panel test that looks for Amphetamines, THC, Cocaine, etc...
     
  9. aries

    aries <strong>"Ram Tough"</strong>

    26
    0
    Nov 2, 2007
    Farmville, VA
    0
    Do a google search with various terms like drug test, false positives, poppy seeds. I have quoted a section from various articles from a guick google search. Also I vaguely remember a section in the fmscr about poppy seeds.

    It can be an eye opener as to which common items such as Ibuprofen can result in a false positive.

    My understanding from the reading is that it is the quantity of the OTC taken that can result in issues. For example a couple of Ibuprofen is not a problem but 6-10 in a 24 hour period may be for some people.

    My wife works in a hospital lab and just out of curiosity made a loaf of poppy seed bread in our bread machine (really good bread by the way). All three of the ladies in the lab had some and then tested themselves about 8 hours later with the basic drug screen. All tested positive for opiates.


    quotes from the web
    Ibuprofen

    Ibuprofen is a common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory which even in low doses used to cause a false positive for marijuana/cannabis on the EMIT test. The EMIT has been changed to use a different enzyme to eliminate these drug test false positives. But recent evidence suggests that Ibuprofen taken in very high doses, along with other anti-inflammatories such as Naproxen will still interfere with the EMIT test.
    Decongestants and Cold Remedies

    Phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine are both substances found in many over-the-counter cold remedies. They can result in a drug test false positive for amphetamines on the EMIT test. Antitussives, to suppress coughs, such as dextromethorphan and perylamine may cause a drug test false positive for opiates.
     
  10. ladyredrose23

    ladyredrose23 Bobtail Member

    16
    0
    Dec 14, 2008
    golden valley,Az
    0
    :biggrin_25516:
    Cybergal
    Sorry to burst your bubble but OTC's will give false positive's,been there done that.



     
  11. Cybergal

    Cybergal Road Train Member

    6,272
    2,399
    Oct 20, 2008
    0
    YOU are going to quote a post that was back in Dec. of 2007?

    YOU must be really bored.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.