Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes False Positive For Methadone While Taking Morphine For Severe Back Pain?
Question: I have been on morphine for severe back pain. During my last urine test it showed I took methadone. This has never showed in previous tests and I have never used methadone. How did this happen?
Brief Answer:
false positive interactions can occur
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The positive result could be a false positive.
False positives occur when the initial test picks up other medication/chemicals that may appear similarly to the drug being tested.
Medications such as verapamil, diphenydramine (benadryl), clomipramine or doxylamine may sometimes cause false positive reactions with some testing methods.
If you are using one of these, it could be the cause.
The repeat test should give a true picture for you.
In addition, there is a specialized test, GC-MS, that is highly accurate and can also be done.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
false positive interactions can occur
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The positive result could be a false positive.
False positives occur when the initial test picks up other medication/chemicals that may appear similarly to the drug being tested.
Medications such as verapamil, diphenydramine (benadryl), clomipramine or doxylamine may sometimes cause false positive reactions with some testing methods.
If you are using one of these, it could be the cause.
The repeat test should give a true picture for you.
In addition, there is a specialized test, GC-MS, that is highly accurate and can also be done.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I have taken verapamil for several years. Is it possible that all other tests were fine but now this last one was bad? Also my verapamil was changed to a generic Matzim LA. Could this be a cause?
Brief Answer:
it is possible that may be related
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Matzim LA is a form of dlitiazem, this is not known to cause a problem but since it is related to the verapamil somewhat, it may be possible.
It is possible that the test type was different from those previously used and this is the reason for the abnormal result.
The retest should hopefully clear this up
Please feel free to ask anything else
it is possible that may be related
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Matzim LA is a form of dlitiazem, this is not known to cause a problem but since it is related to the verapamil somewhat, it may be possible.
It is possible that the test type was different from those previously used and this is the reason for the abnormal result.
The retest should hopefully clear this up
Please feel free to ask anything else
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
