Mark Halsey
Chief Editor of - Cleanbreak RecoveryMark 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
Are you concerned that taking sertraline might show up on a drug test? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are worried about the possibility of failing a drug test due to the use of sertraline, an antidepressant medication. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential for sertraline to show up on a drug test, as well as what to do if you are concerned about a drug test result. Read on to find out if sertraline could be the cause of a failed drug test.
Contents
What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is a prescription medication and is not available over the counter.
Sertraline affects the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to decrease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and panic.
What is a Drug Test?
A drug test is a type of medical test that is used to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s system. Drug tests are commonly used to screen for illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates.
Drug tests are administered by employers, law enforcement, and health care providers. They may be conducted on a urine, saliva, blood, or hair sample. Urine testing is the most common type of drug test used.
Will Sertraline Show Up on a Drug Test?
Sertraline is not typically tested for in a standard drug screening. However, in some cases, a drug test may be tailored to specifically detect sertraline. This is because sertraline is a controlled substance and can be abused.
In general, it is unlikely that sertraline will show up on a drug test. However, if a person has been prescribed sertraline, it is important to disclose this information to the person administering the drug test.
How is Sertraline Metabolized?
Sertraline is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. It is then broken down into several metabolites, including desmethylsertraline, norsertraline, and sertraline-N-oxide. These metabolites are then excreted in the urine.
How Long Does Sertraline Stay in the Body?
The half-life of sertraline is 26 hours, which means it takes 26 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. It takes 4-6 days for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.
Does Sertraline Show up on a Blood Test?
Sertraline does not typically show up on a blood test. Blood tests are used to detect levels of substances in the blood, and sertraline does not remain in the blood for long. The drug is typically metabolized and eliminated from the body before it can be detected in a blood test.
Are There Any False Positives for Sertraline?
There are no known false positives for sertraline on a drug test. False positives occur when a substance is incorrectly identified on a drug test. However, sertraline is not typically tested for, so there is no chance of a false positive.
Can Sertraline be Detected in Urine?
Sertraline can be detected in urine, but it is not typically detected in a standard drug test. If a urine sample is specifically tested for sertraline, it can be detected in the urine for up to 4-6 days after the last dose.
Can Sertraline be Detected in Hair?
Sertraline can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after the last dose. Hair tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect sertraline even if it has been cleared from the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps to regulate mood, sleep, and other aspects of mental health. Sertraline is a popular choice for treating depression and anxiety due to its effectiveness, low risk of side effects, and relative affordability.
2. Will Sertraline Show Up on a Drug Test?
Sertraline is not typically included in standard drug tests. However, in some cases, if your doctor or employer suspects you are taking sertraline, they may request a more specialized test that looks for the drug specifically. The test will usually look for the presence of the drug in your blood, urine, or saliva.
3. What are the Possible Side Effects of Sertraline?
The most common side effects of sertraline include nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, and weight gain. Some people may also experience more serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, changes in mood, and an increased risk of seizures. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
4. How Long Does it Take for Sertraline to Work?
It typically takes several weeks for sertraline to take effect. For some people, the effects may be felt within a few days, while for others it may take several weeks. It is important to be patient and give the medication time to work. It is also important to stay in contact with your doctor and let them know if the medication is not working or if you are experiencing any side effects.
5. How Should Sertraline be Taken?
Sertraline should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and frequency will vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. It is important to follow the directions on the prescription label and to take the medication exactly as directed. It is also important to not stop taking the medication without first consulting your doctor.
6. Who Should Not Take Sertraline?
Sertraline should not be taken by people who have had an allergic reaction to sertraline or any of its ingredients in the past. It should also not be taken by people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications that interact with sertraline. Additionally, pregnant women and children under the age of 18 should not take sertraline without consulting their doctor first.
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In conclusion, it is important to remember that sertraline can be detected in a drug test, but only under certain circumstances. If you are being tested for drugs, it is important to speak to your doctor to determine if sertraline use could be detected in the test. Being informed and aware of the drug testing process can help you make the best decision for your health and wellbeing.
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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