Which Medication Can Give A False Positive For Alprazolam?

Posted on Mon, 14 Aug 2017

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

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 Answered on

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I just had a false positive for alprazolam and can't figure out why other than dirty glassware. I am on a lot of meds for migraine prophylaxis. I'm on Cymbalta, zonisamide, sumatriptan, ondasetron, Phenergan, hydroxyzine. For allergies I'm on cetirizine and montelukast, as well as Flonase and astelin. I'm on levo and liiothyroid, Yaz (to try to maintain bone density) I take valerian, skullcap, jops and lemonbalm for sleep as I'm the world's worst sleeper. Every once in a while I try Gabadone, though since it doesn't cross the blood brain barrier, I only do that when desperate. Could any of these caused a false positive as I don't take alprazolam.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
SSRIs and non steroidal pain killers

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern. You sure do take a lot of medications and it is hard to pinpoint which drug or combination of drugs cause the false positive, but SSRIs (such as Cymbalta) and some pain killers are known to cause a false benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) positive test.

I hope this answers your question. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Wishing you good health and all the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T