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Is Ranitidine Or Levomethamphetamine Similar To Amphetamine?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Sep 2015
Question: I am in a drug treatment program and a certain medication I am dependent upon is being prescribed that I find is necessary in improving not only my mental health but overall quality of life; however, I still enjoy recreational use of certain psychostimulants (not my drug of choice, though I've no false implications or reservations this could have...). Namely amphetamine, which I'm aware can cross-react with other drugs. I find ranitidine to be promising or perhaps the levo-methamphetamine enantiomer in the Vick's nasal inhaler as a possible scapegoat. I have an excellent repoir with both my counselor and physician and would like to keep it that way. could I seemingly use this as a viable excuse?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
tricky on a number of issues

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
First, I don't think abuse and dishonesty are a good idea.

The cross reactivity is on the basis of what test and how close the chemicals are to each other. Obviously, the chemical in decongestants is quite close to amphetamine, but it should be distinguishable in a Mass Spec testing (but it sure will cross react in an antibody/dipstick testing).
They can do hair testing to really get a lot of data and that test is only done by Mass=Spec.
Other compounds are thought to cross react to amphetamine. I do not recall ranitidine as being one of them BUT, it sure isn't as close as decongestants.

There are always other methods that will learn the truth. There is also testing for the particular breakdown products and these will also be somewhat different.

In short, honesty is the best policy.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 4214 Questions

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Is Ranitidine Or Levomethamphetamine Similar To Amphetamine?

Brief Answer: tricky on a number of issues Detailed Answer: Hello again! First, I don't think abuse and dishonesty are a good idea. The cross reactivity is on the basis of what test and how close the chemicals are to each other. Obviously, the chemical in decongestants is quite close to amphetamine, but it should be distinguishable in a Mass Spec testing (but it sure will cross react in an antibody/dipstick testing). They can do hair testing to really get a lot of data and that test is only done by Mass=Spec. Other compounds are thought to cross react to amphetamine. I do not recall ranitidine as being one of them BUT, it sure isn't as close as decongestants. There are always other methods that will learn the truth. There is also testing for the particular breakdown products and these will also be somewhat different. In short, honesty is the best policy.