Drug Testing

[Guest]

Good Day Dr. Garcia:

It is a pleasure to have this opportunity. I am currently in the first week of the program 25mg of Topo. Possibly during the next several weeks or months I may have to complete a "New Hiree" drug screen. Will topomax show up on the results? Would I be questioned as to why I am taking this medication?
Thank you for your time.

[Guest]

Drug Testing

Hi.

Standard drug screen is for drugs of abuse (marijuana, opiates, speed, benzodiazepines and alcohol). A drug screen should not pick it up. If they ask you "What medications do you routinely take?" you need to decide what you feel comfortable saying. Are you okay responding with "I have a problem with alcohol and am working with my doctor to gain control over it and I am using a medication in a supervised program"? There is still a lot of stigma but I believe that absolute truth is always better than trying to remember who you told what and when.

You may not get the job but at least you are comfortable with your own ethics. They may not ask so you may not have to say anything.

Hope this helps.

--Dr. Garcia