PLEASE Help Drug Test Question...

Xanax is a Benzodiazepine with a half life of about 12 Hours and can vary +- few hours based on the biology of the person. This means that if you took .5 mg of Xanax after 12 hours you would have roughly .25 mg after 24 hours 12.5 mg and so on... It takes roughly 4-6 half-lives for blood levels drop to virtually 0 for Xanax this equates to 2-3 days, usually depending on dosage. It’s hard to say whether his urine will test positive for Benzodiazepines after only one day, it really depends on how much he took in the first place. I would like to point out that urine tests do not tend to be as sensitive as blood samples; in other words, just because there is still a testable level in the blood doesn't necessarily mean a positive urine test, meaning there is a chance for urine to test negative when there is still drugs in the system. Of course this probably isn't always true and only happens on extremely low blood levels of the drug. I do not know for sure (somebody correct me if I am wrong) but as far as I know, testing for Benzodiazepines is not required by DOT , so you may be in the clear here but this doesn't mean your particular company doesn't test for it. Also just for future reference a lot of “sleeping pills” prescribed by doctors are benzodiazepines (i.e. Ativan, Klonipin, Xanax). On the other hand you have Z-drugs or non-benzodiazepines sleep aids such as Ambien; these too can be tested for and I've heard (only anecdotally) that some companies aren't keen on sleeping issues, which gives them a reason to test for it (not sure if they do test for it, but seems to be a possibility). As far as I’m concerned there isn't a whole lot of difference between Z-drugs and Benzodiazepines (hence the reason they are also referred to as Benzodiazepine-like drugs) as they both work on GABA Receptors (GABA being the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain), although they do have the advantage of a shorter half-life (2-3 hours) and a high affinity for only the GABA Aa1 receptor related to the hypnotic and amnesia effect (which in actuality I believe the be the most dangerous effects out of the other 3 effects[Muscle relaxant, anti anxiety, anticonvulsant,] related to the other 5 subunits [a2-a6]). For this reason I believe it is always in your best interest to find out more information about any drug before taking it when possible (this is just my opinion and should be taken as such, as I am not a doctor; As always you should talk to your doctor to get their professional opinion on making these decisions). And as a last word to the wise, never ever take un-prescribed drugs as that now becomes a legal issue or at least becoming pinned as a drug abuser.

P.S. I'm not sure if this is an embarrassingly long post for my first one, but i enjoy being helpful ;-)

WEll.....you are a fount of information !!! Thank you for your post. Drugs in about any form are not very welcome in the trucking world. In fact, you are not supposed to have any alcohol based items in your truck. Such as cough syrup ( niquil),mouth wash, after shave (and they wonder why truckers smell...lol). Its a totally different world when you get into trucking.

We are glad you found us here, and if we can help you in any way, just ask.

Crap, I didn't know that I can't take my favorite perfume with me! Girls are suspossed to smell gooooood, lol and men to for that matter ;)

He should have let the tester know of what he did some companies will disclose it with a nice lecture others ya want be so lucky,I have asthma and have to disclose my inhaler BC of high steroids,but since its not the pill form and that its down on my records as use by need not use by a certain time daily I'm disclosed.there are some companies though that want employ me BC of it.so watch what ya take and stay away from nyquil and dayquil.

I can say with most certainty that the drug test will include testing for any Schedule IV drugs, under the controlled substance abuse act. Xanax is most definitely among those drugs. Drug testing for Benzo's which are most typically called a psychotropic drug, are notorious for being abused via casual consumption, and most definitely effect the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle.

If you test positive for ANY Schedule IV drug and do NOT have a prescription that is actually a felony in many states and needless to say a HUGE no-no in the eyes of DOT not to mention the prospective company's policies in regards to either zero tolerance or standards.

Long story short, no matter how much experience you have trucking whether starting off from trucking school or you have 30 years under your belt the very last thing you want to happen is to burn a drug test, by testing positive with a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, the very presence of the drug in your system without a prescription indicates substance abuse and NO trucking company I know of will want to take that sort of risk.

I hope the best for you, and as well hope this will not be one of those lessons in life which comes at too high of a price.

Your information is false. DOT federal drug testing uses a 5 panel drug screen in all states. The 5 substances tester are: THC-marijuana COC- cocaine, crack PCP Amphetamines-meth,adderall,vyvanse Opiates- heroin, OxyContin.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine, along with klonopin and other anti anxiety medications. The 5 panel drug test DOES NOT test for benzos. If you were to take Xanax or klonopin or anything from the benzo class, you will not fail a DOT drug screen. Another rumor I see a lot is that you are no allowed to be prescribed certain medications. Well I am prescribed adderall for ADD. It helps me stay focused and helps me not day dream and I am much more aware of my surroundings. Other medications are allowed as well as long as your Dr reports that it is used to treat an illness and will not effect driving a commercial vehicle.

I can say with most certainty that the drug test will include testing for any Schedule IV drugs, under the controlled substance abuse act. Xanax is most definitely among those drugs. Drug testing for Benzo's which are most typically called a psychotropic drug, are notorious for being abused via casual consumption, and most definitely effect the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle.

If you test positive for ANY Schedule IV drug and do NOT have a prescription that is actually a felony in many states and needless to say a HUGE no-no in the eyes of DOT not to mention the prospective company's policies in regards to either zero tolerance or standards.

Long story short, no matter how much experience you have trucking whether starting off from trucking school or you have 30 years under your belt the very last thing you want to happen is to burn a drug test, by testing positive with a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, the very presence of the drug in your system without a prescription indicates substance abuse and NO trucking company I know of will want to take that sort of risk.

I hope the best for you, and as well hope this will not be one of those lessons in life which comes at too high of a price.

Your information is false. DOT federal drug testing uses a 5 panel drug screen in all states. The 5 substances tester are: THC-marijuana COC- cocaine, crack PCP Amphetamines-meth,adderall,vyvanse Opiates- heroin, OxyContin.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine, along with klonopin and other anti anxiety medications. The 5 panel drug test DOES NOT test for benzos. If you were to take Xanax or klonopin or anything from the benzo class, you will not fail a DOT drug screen. Another rumor I see a lot is that you are no allowed to be prescribed certain medications. Well I am prescribed adderall for ADD. It helps me stay focused and helps me not day dream and I am much more aware of my surroundings. Other medications are allowed as well as long as your Dr reports that it is used to treat an illness and will not effect driving a commercial vehicle.

I can say with most certainty that the drug test will include testing for any Schedule IV drugs, under the controlled substance abuse act. Xanax is most definitely among those drugs. Drug testing for Benzo's which are most typically called a psychotropic drug, are notorious for being abused via casual consumption, and most definitely effect the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle.

If you test positive for ANY Schedule IV drug and do NOT have a prescription that is actually a felony in many states and needless to say a HUGE no-no in the eyes of DOT not to mention the prospective company's policies in regards to either zero tolerance or standards.

Long story short, no matter how much experience you have trucking whether starting off from trucking school or you have 30 years under your belt the very last thing you want to happen is to burn a drug test, by testing positive with a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, the very presence of the drug in your system without a prescription indicates substance abuse and NO trucking company I know of will want to take that sort of risk.

I hope the best for you, and as well hope this will not be one of those lessons in life which comes at too high of a price.

And whether or not to hire you - is STILL AT THE COMPANY'S DISCRETION.

Since this is your FIRST POST HERE, after JUST JOINING - we have had members of this site SENT HOME FROM ORIENTATION for taking prescribed meds with a doctors letter stating they do not pose a risk to CMV operation.

We have also had drivers that were on adderall report being sent home.

Many companies use HAIR FOLLICLE TESTING and test for more than the 5 panel dip test. WHY they still test for PCP is beyond me. Does anyone ACTUALLY USE PCP ANY MORE?

Many companies will NOT HIRE SOMEONE ON XANAX, or many other prescription meds.

So, while "technically", your assertions may be accurate according to FMCSA REGS - it is still at the COMPANY'S OPTION whether or not to accept a particular medication or not - and has ZERO TO DO WITH whether or not you qualify for a DOT Med Card under the current regs.

And thanks for dredging up a 3 year old post, for your grande entrance here...

Rick

RE: Rick I understand your response/comment. However, lets state the facts here, if only to end so many myths regarding the DOT 5 panel drug test, consequences of failure, and a companies right(s) to hire/terminate due to drug screen results. You stated that to hire is always at the companies discretion, albeit this is true, the way you worded that response contains a misleading message. Starting off with some facts that are easily obtainable via a quick web search and through the DOT's website

#1: Benzodiazepines (Xanax) is not tested for, period. It is absolutely illegal for a truck driver to be consuming this substance while operating a tractor/trailer (and even w a valid prescription getting a company to be ok w/ one of their drivers under the influence of Xanax while driving is a long shot at best) #2: Kratom: again not tested for in the DOT 5 panel screen

take a few minutes and educate yourself as to what is and is not tested for in the DOT 5 panel screening. Please be advised that there is as well a massive list of over the counter substances which are not allowed to be consumed while operating a tractor/trailer. *In my experience the only time those substances would be tested for is in the event of a major accident where a life is taken and/or serious bodily harm has occurred. *This scenario is outside the scope of this post.

#3: Here is the list of ALL drugs tested for per Jan 1 2018 DOT regulations/5 panel drug screen: Marijuana (THC) Cocaine Amphetamines Amphetamine Methamphetamine MDMA MDA Opioids: Codeine Morphine 6-AM (heroin) Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Oxycodone Oxymorphone Phencyclidine (PCP)

Just to end the confusion once and for all & to spread the facts as opposed to myth lets start with the easiest scenario with regard to the standard (DOT) 5 panel drug screen and a companies "above and beyond" approach.

Lets say the company that the applicant is applying for goes beyond the req'd DOT 5 panel drug test (as shown above), lets say they include a hair follicle test along with the 5 panel urine screen. This is what will happen if one is illegally taking, for example, Xanax. You WILL pass your DOT req'd 5 panel drug screen, however, your hair sample will detect Xanax. This info then gets passed onto the company. The company, seeing the hair follicle results, elects not to hire you.

Now, for the myth busting stuff.... that company, by law, can ONLY state you failed a company POLICY. Period, that is as far as it goes. The company cannot state to any other/future companies who may be inquiring through a secondary application/background check that the applicant failed a drug test (as long as said applicant passed the req'd DOT 5 panel drug screen, yet failed the hair follicle). That company is legally allowed to state that applicant ONLY failed a company policy. If they did state any other reasons (with regard to a positive result of the hair follicle test), they could and would be held liable under law for giving up personal & medical information without consent (and this type of consent, ie giving out personal medical records, is a totally different thing as opposed to giving consent to a background investigation by a prospective employer). Any company thats goes beyond the DOT 5 panel drug screen in their hiring protocol, and said applicant passes the 5 panel but fails above and beyond the federal req (the DOT 5 panel) CANNOT LEGALLY state you failed the DOT drug screen requirements. Hope this settles this once and for all. Lets stay safe, lets stay honest. Stay off drugs when your driving.

Sheamus, Rick never stated Xanax was tested for. He said many people are not hired due to taking it. They have to report the meds they're taking. That's why they get DQ'd. It's not from the testing.

Please check yourself before you start demanding we need to educate ourselves.

Keep in mind this thread was 6 years old.... so the information has changed over the years.

Some companies have you sign HIPAA forms now to get records from your doctors and former employers. If you lie and say no, to a "Have you ever failed a drug test" and the truth comes out, you will not be hired. If you do not sign the papers, the company may choose not to hire you. If you try another company, you may be told you will not be accepted. For example, we had a member who lied about a failed NON DOT drug test. Her doctor forwarded the drug test results after receiving the HIPAA. She was then sent home from Prime and 3 other companies told her that she would not be accepted because she was sent home from Prime. She eventuallly found employment at a lower paying company.

As far as the "disobeyed company policy". many companies wont hire anyone with that on their record.

Truckers give up certain rights. If you do your job and are clean, who cares who sees what record?