drug screens and IC drugs - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

mynfel · 09-20-2005, 02:16 PM

Hi all,

I was up for a new job and I believe I have failed the drug test (I'm trying to find out the details now). I think so, because I had the offer in hand, took the drug test and today I got the rejection notice - dated two days after the drug test.

So...my question is - I'm on 50 mgs of Elavil and 200 - 400 mg of Elmiron /day. Could either of these cause a false positive? I'm finding conflicting information about the Elavil.

Thanks

tbokay · 09-20-2005, 02:22 PM

I just had drug screen a couple weeks ago and was told if anything showed up they would contact me first regarding what meds I am taking.

Can you contact the employer and ask what their decision was based upon and that you can provide doc's note regarding medication use?

mynfel · 09-20-2005, 02:47 PM

I got the letter in the mail after they closed - but I have called several people and sent a few emails trying to figure it out.

It's for a Government Contractor for a position that requires Top Secret clearance (which they would get for me once I became an employee). All I can think of is that it came back positive and they don't bother asking questions - just deny employment after that.

Hopefully I'll get an answer tomorrow. It's very frustrating over all....

***ICNDonna*** · 09-21-2005, 04:18 AM

When taking a drug test, it's always a good idea to take with you the actual prescription containers --- that way they can record the information and contact your physician if necessary.

Donna

***Sarojini*** · 09-21-2005, 04:35 AM

When I took my drug test, they did not want to see my prescription containers. However, someone from the company's employee health service called me a few days later as I'd "failed" because I take narcotics for my IC pain. The person was very nice, asked me all about IC and even visited this site and the ICA's site. They requested my prescription records for the month before, and also spoke to my doctor.

After that, they reported to Human Resources that I was CLEAN, since I had legitimate reasons for taking these medications, and then called me again and asked if they could make any special accomodations for me. I suggested an an office by the bathroom, which I got, but have made other adjustments myself (like bringing in a special cushion to sit on, etc).

SO-- I am not sure what went on in your case. It's good that you are calling around. Unfortunately when dealing with potential security clearances, you are allowed much less leeway in the drug sector and often antidepressants can cause a problem as they think you could be unstable -- however, I think you should at least have an opportunity to explain why you are taking the medication.

Babs RN · 09-29-2005, 02:27 PM

Was wondering if you heard anything about the drug test. My hubby has Top Secret clearance and Jen is right, there is very little drug leeway when undergoing the clearance. Every medication, place we lived, as well as having to list friends that knew us everywhere we lived were required. The only thing I can think with Elavil are some of the side effects(sedation, etc)may result in a security breach. The only pain medication my hubby has ever taken since I have known him was Tylenol#3 in 1998 for kidney stones and had to go back and have that verified--six years later after his promotion and orders for Iraq. Being a nurse, the last few jobs since my diagnosis have had the same outcome as Jen--all I have had to do is provide records that is was for a medical condition and that the prescriptions were legal.

Hugs,
Barb

mynfel · 10-04-2005, 06:51 AM

Well...as an update - I was told that it was not my drug test after all, but that "the government is unwilling to process my clearance". Whatever that means. I turned in all the paperwork Wednesday evening, and the withdrawal notice had a date for the following Friday (one day later!). So, my guess is that they decided they didn't want to pay for my clearance after all and that the government never even saw my paperwork.

Still sucks though, because I never really got a straight answer from anyone.

Oh well. Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably be going off all the drugs shortly anyway as I'm hoping to be pregnant in the next few months.