Hi. I have been taking Xanax .5mg twice, sometimes three times a day as prescribed by my Doctor for about 3yrs now for anxiety and a neurological disorder that affects my elbow and makes my hand shake. I am a 160lb female, who is moderately active and takes plenty of vitamins and eats a healthy diet. I need to take a urine drug test for a prospective employer. My question is this: If I bring the prescription bottle or other form of proof that I am taking them as prescribed by my PCP, will it affect my chances of getting the job? Obviously the drug will show up in my urine. But with proof, is that still considered a "dirty" urine? Is it at the employer's discretion to decide to hire me based on this? I really want this position, but I can't just stop taking the medication. Has anyone else been faced with this issue? I could really use a helpful answer. Thanks.
Q: Drug testing and prescribed medication: Is it okay if you have proof?
DeeDee
Thank you for your question and welcome to Health Central's Anxiety Community.
We receive a lot of questions about employment drug screening and anxiety medications, however, it is impossible to answer your question with a concrete answer for several reasons. For one, employers screen for different things, some do a minimal screen for several drugs, such as cocaine or marijuana while others do a more complete screen. It is impossible to know what type of drug screening your perspective employer has requested.
You can read more about this: Anxiety Medications and Drug Screening
I would suggest bringing your prescription with you for the testing and allow the person doing the test to write down the pertinent information, such as doctor's name, prescription expiration, refills, etc. so this can be included in the report if necessary.
If your medication does show up in the screening, hopefully the employer will give you a chance to discuss what medication you are on before making a final decision.
Eileen
Hi there
In a perfect world your employer will make allowance for you because you have a prescription from your doctor.
You should be protected against discrimination by the Americans with Disabilities Act but in practice I wonder if this always happens.
Here is a forum where other patients describe their experience with this.
Be as upfront as you can be to avoid any difficulties.
Please let us know what happens. I would like to hear from someone who has gone through this and if it does impact on employment opportunities.
Thank you for your question.
MM
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