Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands...Read more
Drug testing is becoming increasingly common in the workplace, and more employers are now relying on drug tests to ensure a safe and productive work environment. With the growing number of drug tests, it’s important to know what substances may cause a false positive. One such drug is Flexeril, a muscle relaxant that is often prescribed to treat pain. But what does Flexeril show up as on a drug test? In this article, we’ll take a look at the answer to that question, as well as how you can avoid a false positive on your next drug test.
Contents
- What Does Flexeril Test Positive for on a Drug Screen?
- Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Flexeril?
- What Does Flexeril Show Up as on a Drug Test?
- How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your System?
- What Are the Side Effects of Flexeril?
- What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking Flexeril?
- Is Flexeril Addictive?
- Pharmacology Calcium Channel Blockers – Antihypertensive – for Registered Nurse RN & PN NCLEX
What Does Flexeril Test Positive for on a Drug Screen?
Flexeril, also known as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant commonly used to treat pain and spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. It is usually prescribed for short-term use and is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Flexeril is not an opioid, but it may show up on a drug screen since it is a CNS depressant.
When a drug screen is performed, it is looking for specific metabolites of the drug that may be present in the body. Flexeril is metabolized in the body and the drug screen is specifically looking for the metabolite cyclobenzaprine. If the metabolite is present in the body, it will show up as a positive result on the drug screen.
It is important to note that the presence of cyclobenzaprine does not always indicate the presence of Flexeril in the body. Since cyclobenzaprine is a metabolite of several medications, it may be present in the body due to the use of other medications. Therefore, it is important for the laboratory to confirm the presence of Flexeril by performing additional testing.
How Long Does Flexeril Remain in the Body?
The amount of time Flexeril remains in the body can vary depending on factors such as the amount taken, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolic rate. Generally, it takes 1-2 days for Flexeril to be completely eliminated from the body. However, the metabolite cyclobenzaprine can remain in the body for up to two weeks after the last dose.
It is important to note that the presence of the metabolite in the body does not indicate the presence of an active drug since it is only a metabolite. Therefore, a positive result on a drug screen does not necessarily mean the person has taken Flexeril recently.
Factors that Can Affect the Presence of Flexeril in a Drug Test
There are several factors that can affect the presence of Flexeril in a drug test, including the amount taken, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolic rate. In addition, other medications that contain cyclobenzaprine may also affect the results of the drug test.
Finally, the type of drug test being performed can also affect the results of the test. For example, a urine drug test is more likely to detect Flexeril than a blood drug test. Therefore, it is important to understand the type of drug test being performed in order to interpret the results properly.
What Other Medications May Cause False Positives on a Drug Test?
In addition to Flexeril, there are several other medications that may cause a false positive on a drug test. These medications include certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Therefore, it is important to inform the laboratory of any medications that may be in the system when a drug test is performed.
What Are the Consequences of a Positive Drug Test Result?
It is important to understand the consequences of a positive drug test result. Depending on the context, a positive result may lead to disciplinary action, probation, or even criminal charges. Therefore, it is important to discuss any potential drug test results with a healthcare provider prior to taking any medication.
Can Flexeril Show up on a Drug Test?
Yes, Flexeril may show up on a drug test as a positive result depending on the type of test being performed and the amount of time since the last dose. The metabolite of Flexeril, cyclobenzaprine, can remain in the body for up to two weeks after the last dose, so it is important to inform the laboratory of any medications that may be in the system when a drug test is performed.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril is a brand name of the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine. It is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant that is approved to treat muscle spasms associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions. It works by blocking nerve impulses that are sent to the brain, helping to reduce muscle tension. It is typically taken with rest and physical therapy for the treatment of muscle spasms, strains, and sprains.
What Does Flexeril Show Up as on a Drug Test?
Flexeril will typically show up as cyclobenzaprine on a drug test. It is a type of medication that is included in the standard drug testing panel, along with other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. The presence of cyclobenzaprine in a person’s system will indicate that the person has taken Flexeril.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your System?
Flexeril generally has a half-life of 12-20 hours, which means it takes 12-20 hours for the amount of Flexeril in a person’s system to be reduced by half. This means that it will take 24-40 hours for the drug to be fully eliminated from the body. However, this may vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and metabolism.
What Are the Side Effects of Flexeril?
The most common side effects of Flexeril include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Other more serious side effects can include confusion, blurred vision, abdominal pain, constipation, and difficulty urinating. It is important to consult a doctor if any of these side effects become severe or persist.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking Flexeril?
Before taking Flexeril, it is important to tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you have, as well as any medications you are currently taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Is Flexeril Addictive?
Flexeril is not considered to be an addictive drug. However, it is still important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor to avoid the risk of side effects or overdose. If you find yourself taking more of the drug than prescribed, it is important to talk to your doctor or seek help from a healthcare professional.
Pharmacology Calcium Channel Blockers – Antihypertensive – for Registered Nurse RN & PN NCLEX
In conclusion, Flexeril is a medication commonly used to treat muscle spasms and other muscle-related ailments. While Flexeril does not usually show up on drug tests, false positives can occur due to the presence of other medications in the body or the test being conducted incorrectly. It is important to be aware of the potential for a false positive result when taking Flexeril and to make sure to provide any necessary information to the testing laboratory in order to avoid any confusion or misidentification of the medication in question.
Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.
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