What Causes Positive Test Result For Benzamphetamine?

Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a positive drug test for benzphetamine. I have just started a drug to treat MRSA - Sulfamethox-TMP and I'm looking for a connection between trimethoprim and benzo drugs.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Further data is needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

First, we must understand why you had a positive test for benzamphetamine. This is a drug appertaining to the sympathomimetic amines.

Have you:
- been using it as part of diet losing programme?
- taken any other medication apart Sulfamethox-TMP for MRSA?

So far, no connection has been shown between Sulfamethox-TMP and positive benzamphetamine test.

Can you also send the full report of your lab test, so I can analyze it myself?

Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (20 hours later)

When can I expect a response to my reply to you and the further data provided?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please send at the following e-mail address...

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

I did not receive any data from you. Can you please resend them at the following e-mail address:

YYYY@YYYY

with subject line "Attention to Dr.Klerida Shehu"

Sorry for the inconvenience caused due to technical problems we are facing.

Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

I’m sorry technical difficulties prevented you from receiving my additional info on the MRSA question.

With my ignorance on drugs, I used the wrong term. I was told I tested positive for “benzo drugs”, which I now see is benzodiazepines and not benzphetamines. And I do not have the lab report to provide to you yet. I was given verbal results and told the lab report would be available in a week.

In addition to the Sulfamethox-TMP DS 800-160 tablets I was just prescribed for MRSA, I take the following prescribed and over-the-counter drugs:
Synthroid - 25MCG
Zoloft - 50 MG
Propranolol - 10 MG X 2
Prilosec 20 MG
Glucosamine OTC
Melatonin - OTC
Green Coffee Bean Extract - OTC
I may still have had CIPRO in my system that I was prescribed for a UTI which turned out to be MRSA.

I have Hep C from a blood transfusion in 1980. Also have Hemochromotosis; but was recently told I am anemic. Had an endoscopy and colonoscopy looking for internal bleeding and found nothing. Scheduled for an MRI this weekend.

That’s about it. Thank you for your time. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Zoloft causing false-positive benzo-test..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

I see. When I was going through the medications you are using, I have noticed that you take Zoloft. Studies have shown false-positive testing for benzo-drug in patients using Zoloft (sertraline).

Therefore, I advise to discuss with your psychiatrist to adjust the dose.

Looking forward to have your reports and feedback in!
Dr.Klerida

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