ADHD Medication and Pre-employment drug testing

[allfiredup]

I live and work in Georgia.

I'm searching for a new job after over three years at the same company. About six months ago, I was diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (Adult ADD or ADHD). My physician prescribed a medication called Adderall which is an amphetamine. It makes a huge difference in my daily life and definitely improves my quality of life. I am, however, VERY concerned about how this will look in a pre-employment drug test. My doctor gladly told me he would write a letter to verify that it is a medically necessary drug for me, but I'm still uneasy with it.

If I am extended a job offer, then take a drug test and this medication shows up, can they legally refuse the position? Could the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) come into play in a situation like this?

I'm just concerned and want to know what I can expect. Worst case scenario, I could go off the medication for three or four days and would test clear. Still, I don't like having to feel like I'm doing something bad or wrong. Then again, perhaps the best benefit concealing my use of the medication would be not letting my future employer know my medical information.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[bcriado]

I'd be careful about letting your prospective employer know about your situation. Sadly enough they may not know enough about ADHD and eliminate you as a candidate even before taking a drug test. I'd stop the medication prior to the test and if you are hired, once you have established a comfortable rapport with the person you report to and feel the need to discuss this, then you'll be better protected by the law.

 

[mlane58]

I'd be careful about letting your prospective employer know about your situation. Sadly enough they may not know enough about ADHD and eliminate you as a candidate even before taking a drug test. I'd stop the medication prior to the test and if you are hired, once you have established a comfortable rapport with the person you report to and feel the need to discuss this, then you'll be better protected by the law.

Thats just bad advice!
Listen, all you have to do when you go to take the drug screening is take your prescribed medication with you and inform the collector what you are currently taking and they will annotate it on your drug screening form. When you show positive for amphetamines, the MRO will have been fore warned already.

 

[Beth3]

Ditto to what mlane said. Inform the medical person at the collection site that you are taking Adderall and why. If your specimin results in a positive for a prohibited substance, an MRO (medical review officer) from the lab will also call you to see if you are taking a Rx medication that could be responsible and he or she will verify that information with your doctor or pharmacy.

None of this information will be relayed to your prospective employer - it's all protected by HIPAA regulations.

 

[allfiredup]

Thanks!

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll be sure to take my prescription bottle if I am required to take any drug tests. I was afraid that the employer would find out specifically what shows in the drug test, but it's a relief to know that my privacy will be protected.

Thanks again!

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll be sure to take my prescription bottle if I am required to take any drug tests. I was afraid that the employer would find out specifically what shows in the drug test, but it's a relief to know that my privacy will be protected.

Thanks again!

Avoid foods with poppy seeds as well.

 

[katfzl]

Ditto to what mlane said. Inform the medical person at the collection site that you are taking Adderall and why. If your specimin results in a positive for a prohibited substance, an MRO (medical review officer) from the lab will also call you to see if you are taking a Rx medication that could be responsible and he or she will verify that information with your doctor or pharmacy.

None of this information will be relayed to your prospective employer - it's all protected by HIPAA regulations.

Unfortunately it doesn't always work this way. The lab that took the urine sample would not accept any information at the collection site about prescription meds (such as adderall). It had to be sent from that lab to another then to a medical review officer. The future employer knew it was sent to the mro, and was unable to start work on the agreed upon date. The employer knew it was a prescription med stalling the process, and even if they didn't the situation creates uneasiness and doubt.

 

[ecmst12]

I don't know why you're bumping up a 2 year old thread, but what happens is when the drug shows up on the test, the lab will call the testee and ask for the prescription information (medication, strength, doctor's name & number). They will then call the doctor and verify that the prescription is valid and legal, and mark the test as "passed." Simple. The employer may not even know that there was a question with the test.

 

[PandoraZx]

Husband turned down for City Job Because of Adderall

Hello,

I find this disgusting, because my husband was told that he had a job with the city of bedford (virginia) barring anything unforseen in his physical and drug test. He passed his background check with flying colors. Well, when he went to take the drug test, he told the nurse who was doing his physical that he was on Adderall for ADD. She is also the one who administered the test. He got a phone call this afternoon from the hiring manager telling him that he was not going to be hired because he failed the drug test for amphetamines. Well of course! He had the right now to tell the hiring manager about his condition since it is strictly confidential. We are going tomorrow morning to get a copy of his file from the physical. He even offered to get his psychiatrist to call or write a letter stating the validity of his claim. He even showed the nurse his prescription bottle! I overheard the conversation because he put his cell phone on speaker. We are seeking legal action immediately. Because we already know that there is an employee on a course of Hydrocodone, an opiate and he is still working there. Someone should be barred from employment for taking opiates (which can affect motor function, and Adderall does not) before someone who is taking ADD medication.

-Leann

 

[mike_lee]

Had I read the post two years ago I would suggest switching to non amphetamine Ritalin a month before the test, but it's too late for that now.