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What Over the Counter Drugs Will Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Mark Halsey
Chief Editor of - Cleanbreak Recovery

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

When it comes to drug tests, you usually know what substances might set off a positive result. But what about substances that you thought were safe to take, like over-the-counter drugs? It turns out that some of these common medications can produce a positive result for benzodiazepines, a type of tranquilizer. In this article, we’ll explain what over-the-counter drugs will test positive for benzodiazepines and why it matters.

What Over the Counter Drugs Will Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

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What Over the Counter Drugs are Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. They work by decreasing the activity of the central nervous system, which helps relax the body and reduce stress. While benzodiazepines are generally considered safe when taken as prescribed, they can be habit-forming and have potential side effects. People who abuse benzodiazepines may also be at risk for substance abuse and addiction. As such, it is important to understand which over the counter (OTC) drugs may test positive for benzodiazepines.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that work by decreasing the activity of the central nervous system. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications can be habit-forming and have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Which Over the Counter Drugs Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Several common OTC medications may test positive for benzodiazepines. These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), doxylamine (Unisom), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). These medications are widely available and are used to treat allergies, colds, and other conditions. In addition, some OTC sleep aids, such as melatonin, may also test positive for benzodiazepines.

What Should I Know About Taking OTC Drugs?

When taking OTC drugs, it is important to read the label carefully and follow the directions. Many OTC medications can interact with other drugs and should not be taken with alcohol. In addition, some OTC medications may cause drowsiness and should not be taken while operating a vehicle or machinery. It is also important to be aware that certain OTC medications may test positive for benzodiazepines and should be avoided if taking a drug test.

What Should I Do If I Take an OTC Drug That Tests Positive for Benzodiazepines?

If you take an OTC drug that tests positive for benzodiazepines, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can provide more information about the medication and the potential for it to test positive for benzodiazepines. In addition, your doctor can help you find other medications that are safe to take and that will not test positive for benzodiazepines.

Can I Take OTC Drugs With Prescription Benzodiazepines?

It is not recommended to take OTC medications with prescription benzodiazepines. OTC medications can interact with benzodiazepines and may increase the risk of side effects. If you are taking a prescription benzodiazepine, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking any OTC medications.

What Should I Do To Avoid Testing Positive for Benzodiazepines?

If you are concerned about testing positive for benzodiazepines, it is important to speak with your doctor about the medications you are taking. Your doctor can provide more information about the potential for certain medications to test positive for benzodiazepines and can help you find other medications that are safe to take. It is also important to follow the directions on the label of any OTC medications you take and to avoid taking any medications that may test positive for benzodiazepines.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and muscle spasms. They are also used to treat alcohol withdrawal. These drugs work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to reduce the electrical activity in the brain. Common benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin.

2. What Over the Counter Drugs Will Test Positive for Benzodiazepines?

Over the counter (OTC) drugs that can cause a false-positive for benzodiazepines include some cold and allergy medications, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxers. These medications contain substances that can cause a false-positive result on a drug test. Common OTC medications that can cause a false-positive for benzodiazepines include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), doxylamine (Unisom), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and promethazine (Phenergan).

3. What Should I Do if I Receive a Positive Test Result for Benzodiazepines?

If you receive a positive test result for benzodiazepines, it is important that you speak to your healthcare provider to discuss the results. Your healthcare provider can help you identify the source of the false-positive result and determine if further testing is necessary. They can also discuss any safety concerns associated with the medications you are taking.

4. Are False-positive Test Results for Benzodiazepines Common?

False-positive test results for benzodiazepines are not common, but they can occur. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider prior to undergoing a drug test. This can help reduce the chance of a false-positive result.

5. What Should I Do if I Take an OTC Medication That Could Cause a False-positive Result for Benzodiazepines?

If you take an OTC medication that could cause a false-positive result for benzodiazepines, it is important that you inform your healthcare provider prior to any drug testing. This will allow them to adjust the test accordingly and reduce the chance of a false-positive result.

6. Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Yes, benzodiazepines are potentially addictive. They are typically prescribed for short-term use due to their potential for abuse. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependency and addiction. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking these medications.

What are Benzodiazepines and How Do You Drug Test For Them?

In conclusion, over the counter drugs that can test positive for benzodiazepines are limited. These medications include benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Xanax, and Valium, as well as certain sleep-aids, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants. However, it is important to note that the presence of these drugs in a person’s system does not necessarily indicate drug abuse. Individuals should always consult their doctor before taking any medication, even those that are available over the counter.

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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