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How Long Does Lorazepam Remain In The System?
Question: I go to the VA for PTSD I am prescribed 1 mg lorazepam 4 times a day. I take them as directed and every time they make me give a urine sample it comes back negative. They threatened to cut me off so I payed a private company out of pocket and it showed up positive. The VA says that it shows up when it reaches 200 ng and that the prescription should show up. So what is the problem? I don't know what ng stands for or even how much ng 1 mg of lorazepam is or how long it even stays in your system.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that it shows negative in one lab and negative at the other is puzzling. Had it been one measurement might be understandable but on repeat ones means there is something wrong with one of the labs. If you confirm you get the drug regularly you can discuss with your doctors taking the issue to the authorities responsible for licensing of laboratories, together with the positive results from the other lab, so that controls can be exercised on the fulfillment of the required standards by the lab.
As for the ng that's simply a unit of measure like mg. One milligram (mg) contains 0000 ng, so 200ng are simply 0.0002, it is well below your dosage so it should show in your urine. As for how long it stays that varies with where it is tested (blood, hair, urine), in urine it's usually 3-5 days.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that it shows negative in one lab and negative at the other is puzzling. Had it been one measurement might be understandable but on repeat ones means there is something wrong with one of the labs. If you confirm you get the drug regularly you can discuss with your doctors taking the issue to the authorities responsible for licensing of laboratories, together with the positive results from the other lab, so that controls can be exercised on the fulfillment of the required standards by the lab.
As for the ng that's simply a unit of measure like mg. One milligram (mg) contains 0000 ng, so 200ng are simply 0.0002, it is well below your dosage so it should show in your urine. As for how long it stays that varies with where it is tested (blood, hair, urine), in urine it's usually 3-5 days.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yea tried explaining that I have been taking the medication as directed and even showed proof of the lab work I paid out of pocket for. Va says they don't accept any outside lab work besides the ones they use. Everything they do is so corrupt anyways Ever since I left the military the depression and anxiety have got so much worse. Don't know why I even try anymore to be honest. I appreciate your response.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about the frustrating situation you are in. They should at least look into the issue. Even if they do not trust you, they could propose to take the medicine for some days as an inpatient and then repeat the test.
I am not even sure Lorazepam is the best choice as regular treatment. It is usually used for limited periods of time because it creates tolerance (same dose not enough anymore) and dependance, antidepressants are more appropriate for long term use.
So that's another issue to discuss with the doctors. At times doctors are tired and may seem indifferent, so you'll have to be patient.
I hope things will work out at the end.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about the frustrating situation you are in. They should at least look into the issue. Even if they do not trust you, they could propose to take the medicine for some days as an inpatient and then repeat the test.
I am not even sure Lorazepam is the best choice as regular treatment. It is usually used for limited periods of time because it creates tolerance (same dose not enough anymore) and dependance, antidepressants are more appropriate for long term use.
So that's another issue to discuss with the doctors. At times doctors are tired and may seem indifferent, so you'll have to be patient.
I hope things will work out at the end.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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