how often does trazodone cause false-positive drug test.Trazodone is an antidepressant medication primarily prescribed for depression and sleep disorders. There have been some reports suggesting that trazodone can cause false-positive results on urine drug screens, particularly for amphetamines, MDMA (ecstasy), and sometimes methadone.
how often does trazodone cause false-positive drug test
It’s important to note that these false positives are associated with immunoassay-based urine drug screens, which are the most common initial tests due to their rapid results and low cost. These tests, however, are known to have cross-reactivity with various substances.
If a false positive is suspected, it’s essential to confirm the results using a more specific testing method, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These confirmation tests are much more accurate and can help differentiate trazodone from illicit drugs or other substances.
If someone is taking trazodone and is required to undergo drug testing (for employment, legal reasons, or any other purpose), it’s advisable to inform the testing facility in advance. If a false positive occurs, the individual can request a confirmation test to clarify the results.
In summary, while it’s not extremely common for trazodone to cause false-positive drug tests, it is possible, and those taking the medication should be aware of this potentiality.