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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by artemiss on November 2, 2004, at 12:51:06
I don't use any recreational drugs of any kind. I am currently taking 37.5 mgs of Effexor each day. I am having a blood and urnine test for a health insurance company next week, and am worried Effexor will show up as PCP or something. Does anyone know if Effexor causes these results in blood and urine drugscreening tests? My overall health is good, but my blood pressure is a bit high. Will this decrease my chance to qualify for health insurance?
Thanks
AL
Posted by avery on November 3, 2004, at 9:22:23
In reply to Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by artemiss on November 2, 2004, at 12:51:06
I wouldn't worry about the results if you are not taking drugs other than those prescribed for you. I don't know if Effexor can show up as something else, but you should notify the screener so they can mark your file in the event that something does show up. I think the tests are fairly accurate in looking for recreational drugs only.
Good luck and try not to worry...
Avery
Posted by artemiss on November 3, 2004, at 15:30:29
In reply to Re: Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by avery on November 3, 2004, at 9:22:23
thank-you for your reply. I am just being paranoid, since I read that it's possible to have the results skewed by anti-depressants. I'm also worried that just the fact that I'm on an anti-depressants will disqualify me for health insurance or raise the premiums. All I can do is be honest and not worry. I think the insurance companies only turn away those with cancer and HIV or serious heart problems.
I'll try not to worry. Thanks!
> I wouldn't worry about the results if you are not taking drugs other than those prescribed for you. I don't know if Effexor can show up as something else, but you should notify the screener so they can mark your file in the event that something does show up. I think the tests are fairly accurate in looking for recreational drugs only.
>
> Good luck and try not to worry...
> Avery
Posted by Smeegle on November 4, 2004, at 17:51:12
In reply to Re: Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by artemiss on November 3, 2004, at 15:30:29
I have been on Effexor XR 300mg for at least 3 years now and it has never come up on any of my work related drug tests. I don't think they are looking for AD's anyhow, more along the line of Opiates, PCP, THC, etc. The illegal stuff. My rule of thumb is if they don't ask, I don't tell. I know I have a legit rx for everything I take. Besides, the lab would contact YOU if there was any question about your test results before they responded to your employer. It is my understanding that they can only say pos or neg and perhaps which drug. They can't get into specifics about legal substances providing you have a legit rx. Just my take on how it works...someone correct me if I am wrong. I get random tested for my job and even though it is random, my number seems to get pulled quite often. I don't sweat it.
Smeegs
Posted by whitdaddy on November 6, 2004, at 13:45:42
In reply to Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by artemiss on November 2, 2004, at 12:51:06
You have nothing to fear my friend. By law, any drug testing facility is required to notify you of any "abnormalities" in your tests. They cannot tell your employer anything until they speak to you. I was taking Adderall when I got drug tested for a prospective employer. Since Adderall is made up of amphetamines it lit up my test results like a christmas tree. The lab doctor called me, I told him I had a prescription for Adderall, they called my doctor to confirm, and that was it. The employer, by law, is kept out of the loop until you have had a chance to explain any positive results.
Besides, I doubt Effexor would show up on a drug test anyway.
Posted by artemiss on November 9, 2004, at 13:48:56
In reply to Re: Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by whitdaddy on November 6, 2004, at 13:45:42
Thanks for that information. I had the test yesterday, and I was very honest with the nurse and told her about my Effexor dosage. She didn't seem concerned, and I told her the doctor only put me on them for the next four months and that it was a low dosage. My blood pressure ended up being 120 over 80, which is textbook good!
I had previously checked my own blood pressure on the Shoppers Drug Mart machine, and it was sky high, at 150 over 100! The nurse told me that those machines are inaccurate and high for everyone who uses them. Always see a doctor for an accurate test!
Hopefully everything will be fine for my insurance application!
Artemis
> You have nothing to fear my friend. By law, any drug testing facility is required to notify you of any "abnormalities" in your tests. They cannot tell your employer anything until they speak to you. I was taking Adderall when I got drug tested for a prospective employer. Since Adderall is made up of amphetamines it lit up my test results like a christmas tree. The lab doctor called me, I told him I had a prescription for Adderall, they called my doctor to confirm, and that was it. The employer, by law, is kept out of the loop until you have had a chance to explain any positive results.
>
> Besides, I doubt Effexor would show up on a drug test anyway.
Posted by avery on November 10, 2004, at 6:48:23
In reply to Re: Drug Screening Tests and Effexor, posted by artemiss on November 9, 2004, at 13:48:56
Cool - glad you feel better:) Best of luck with the insurance application!
Avery
This is the end of the thread.
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