False-positive results are incorrect outcomes of drug tests showing the falsified presence of a drug/chemical when you are not using it. For instance, drug tests done to check the presence of methamphetamines show a positive result, while you are not using such drugs. Generally, false-positive can be outcome of an error at the lab; but, there can be other reasons. One reason is the intake of meds that possess a similar constitution/structure as methamphetamines. So, what drugs are capable of falsifying the results? It is a key thing to know more about this.
Stimulants are taken to stay more active and agile. Some stimulants – such as methamphetamines – are taken for recreational purposes. Discovered several decades ago, these drugs contain two active components viz., dextro-methamphetamine and levo-methamphetamine. The most widely used version is the hydrochloride salt equivalent. This version is known as crystal meth. As problems relating to toxicity as well as abuse cropped up, safer substitutes such as Vyvanse, Adderall, etc. are commonly prescribed.
Owing to the recreation use, dextro-methamphetamine and the racemic version of methamphetamine are illicitly traded in many parts of the world. However, levo-methamphetamine is sold as an OTC product; it is used for clearing nasal blocks and congestions in your air pathways. High doses of methamphetamine can lead to muscular spasms, spells of psychosis, fits or convulsions. However, moderated doses of this med can boost your moods and ability to stay focused. Also, you may find your alertness level to increase, and infusion of energies in people who are tired.
What drugs can cause a false positive for methamphetamines?
Immunoassaying for use of methamphetamine employs a few antibodies; these watch out for a few metabolites. In the process of looking out for such metabolites, those with the same structure can be mistaken as methamphetamines. This is the main cause for false results from immunoassaying.
Drugs that are likely to yield false positives are antidepressants such as fluoxetine (used for treating manic spells, depression and a few other mental conditions), diabetic medications such as metformin, a few forms of antibiotics (especially, ofloxacin – taken for infections in your inner ear), ulcer meds like ranitidine and use of inhalers (Vicks). Drugs used to managing Parkinson’s disease, like selegiline, amantadine, etc. – are also known to give false positives.
It becomes important to talk to your treating doctor about the drugs you are already taking. Those who are living with mental conditions/mood swings (including fear psychosis, being depressed, etc.) or Parkinson’s disease, obese / overweight or autoimmune conditions like diabetes must tell their treating doctor about such conditions.
Essential inputs on methamphetamines
Methamphetamine is categorised under substituted amphetamine and phenethylamine genre of meds. Common side effects of this med include dryness of mouth, rapid heartbeats and a marked decrease in appetite level, being overactive or restless. Those who use methamphetamine are likely to lose their teeth soon. Damages may occur to your teeth regardless of how to take crystal meth. In fact, this condition is known as meth mouth. However, people who inject this med are badly affected than those who smoke, inhale or swallow this med.
Medical research indicates that dryness of mouth coupled with grinding of teeth/clenching may lead to damages. As methamphetamine makes way to have prolonged spells of sexual intercourse, you are likely to get sores in your genitals. In some cases, conditions such as priapism (extended periods of penile erection; this can damage your kidneys, heart, etc.) or abrasions are observed. You are advised to talk to your caregiving team prior to using such meds.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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