Addiction and Substance Abuse

Question about drug test

03/26/2006 11:56PM

Question:

I started taking adipex two months ago and wonder if it could show up for a urine drug test? I have random drug tests at work and I was wondering if this drug would be considered questionable since I ordered it from an on line pharmacy. I had a consultation over the internet and was told my order was approved by the doctor and was sent the pills with in a matter of days. The bottle of pills has the Doctor`s name, pharmacy and even a RX #. I have taken many yearly drug tests and random drug tests over the past five years at my place of employment and was never taking any medication but was always asked by the person doing the drug test if I were on any medications. Long question short..... 1.) Would adipex show up in a urine drug test? 2.) Would ordering the medication on line and having the information from the pill bottle I described above be as good as having a prescription.

I have lost 25 pds. in the last two months from adipex but It is not worth losing my job over. Please help.

Answer:

You asked if adipex would show up in a drug test? The answer is yes. It would show up in the stimulant/methamphetamine/amphetamine category of the tox screen. It does not matter if you get the medication by prescription or purchase the adipex on line.

Adipex is in a class of drugs which decreases appetite. This drug is a nervous system stimulant like the amphetamines, causing elevated blood pressure, heart rate and metabolic stimulation.

This medication is prescribed to treat obesity. I would encourage you to see your family physician and discuss your weight and health history. With a history of addiction and serveral other health conditions, adipex is not a recommended treatment. Abrupt stoppage of this drug can cause withdrawal, fatigue and depression. There are also multiple side effects.

Again, I encourage you to see your family physician as soon as possible.

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Response by:

Deborah L. Hoy, CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
University Hospital East - Talbot Hall
The Ohio State University