I had an interview and took a xanax before going in, I was super anxious, anyways they did a oral drug test during my interview, and I didnt' even think to "mention" that I took a xanax, should I call them and let them know, or should I just save myself the embarrassment and just see if they say you failed. I do have a valid prescription and am not trying to hide anything, but they also won't know for another 3-5 business days?? please help me on what to do??
I took a xanax in which I do have a prescription for before I had a drug test???
Question posted by 09112008 on 12 Aug 2012
Last updated on 13 August 2012
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5 Answers
DzooBaby
13 Aug 2012
I am in the medical field and therefore have been subject to many drug tests. I am of the feeling that it is my business what I take on my own time (I dont use any drugs other than prescribed ones) I NEVER offer any information before a screen. I wait to see if it shows up. Then a medical officer from the lab will call and I will tell them then that it is a prescribed drug. The medical officer's have some asked for an Rx number to verify the prescription and some have asked for the number of the prescribing Dr. I have taken some tests that the drug never showed up on, so I dont offer any information prior that may influence their choice. If the drug does show up, I will then disclose it, once it is proven to be an Rx, it is then changed to a negative test. That is my own policy on this matter and I have never had it adversly affect me so far.
I have gotten jobs that had positive screens that were verified by the medical officers to be Rx drugs. My current job did not even test for the drug I am on, so I didnt disclose it, so to their current thought, they do not know I take it. To me, that is as it should be!!
DzooBaby
13 Aug 2012
I'm not really trying to hide anything either but I wait to see if the test even comes up positive before I disclose it is a prescription. In some cases, it is only the medical officer who ever knows it was positive. Once he finds out it is an Rx'd drug and he changes the test to a negative result, that may never be disclosed to an employer. If you decide to disclose everything you are on before hand then you may be disclosing something that they dont even test for and that could have bearing on whether or not they hire you since you disclosed that information of your own free will.
Inactive
13 Aug 2012
Hello 09112008. Be up front as you have been here on the site. You'll be fine and I do hope you get the job. Regards, pledge
Inactive
13 Aug 2012
Actually, it is your business what meds are prescribed for you by your doc. If the drug test becomes an area of contention, simply explain your doc okayed the occasional use. Like Mary responded, good chance it wont show. Either way, I think you'll be ok.
Good luck with your new job.
Peace,
The Ever Hopeful Hippie
HeadStarter
12 Aug 2012
Hi there - Did you have to fill out paperwork for medical clearance or anything similar in which you are supposed to list what meds you take??? And, I can tell you when I went on my last job interview... they couldn't ask me questions like that. They sent me for a drug test... submitting to the drug test implies consent. They are looking for a certain class of drug or alcohol consumption more likely if they did an oral test. If you had just taken it then it might not even show up at all, if you don't take it on a regular basis. Even if you do take it on a regular basis, they could be looking for "levels" and how high. It is up to you what you want to tell them. If you are certain you have the job and this is a formality then I would just mention that you take prescription medication and leave it at that. Xanax is not a narcotic... but it can be abused.
Not sure why you are so nervous about this one? Is this job in the medical, emergency, transportation industry? I don't think you have an issue unless anything I have said here is making you think too hard about it. What are your feelings? Like, what does your gut say?
Mary
balbanese
12 Aug 2012
Get a fax number if you can, and yes call, get on this right away and just verify the prescription. Leave out the part about why you took it before the interview, THAT is what will sink you, not having the prescribed med (unless it's a driving job or hazardous equipment operator, forklift, or child care). And hopefully you didn't lie on a related question, that too will sink you.
You have a legit script, no fear, don't delay. Hope this helps.
Related topics
xanax, drug test, prescription
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
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- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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