Trazodone is a prescription medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and insomnia. For individuals taking this medication, a common concern is its detection during standard drug screenings. This article clarifies whether trazodone typically appears on drug tests and what factors might influence results.
Understanding Standard Drug Tests
Standard drug tests, such as urine drug screens, detect substances commonly abused or illicit. These tests typically employ panels that screen for specific categories of compounds.
A common 5-panel drug test screens for marijuana, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), opiates (like heroin, morphine, and codeine), and amphetamines (including methamphetamine). Expanded panels, such as 10-panel tests, may include additional substances like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax or Valium), barbiturates, methadone, and propoxyphene. The primary goal of these screenings is to identify illegal drugs or the misuse of controlled prescription medications.
Trazodone and Drug Test Detection
Trazodone is generally not included in standard drug test panels and typically does not appear on these screenings. This is because trazodone is chemically distinct from the substances commonly screened for, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. It functions as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, affecting brain chemicals differently than scheduled drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not classify trazodone as a controlled substance. This classification indicates a low potential for abuse or dependence, which is a factor in determining what substances are routinely included in drug screening protocols. Therefore, in most routine drug tests, trazodone itself is not a targeted compound.
Potential for Unexpected Results
While trazodone is not typically screened for, there are situations where it could become relevant to a drug test. Highly specialized or expanded drug tests could potentially screen for trazodone if specifically requested, though this is uncommon for general employment screenings.
Trazodone is metabolized in the body, and its main metabolite is meta-chlorophenylpiperazine, often referred to as m-CPP. This metabolite, m-CPP, can sometimes lead to false-positive results for other substances, particularly amphetamines or methamphetamines, on initial immunoassay screening tests. This cross-reactivity occurs because of structural similarities that can confuse the screening assay. However, confirmatory tests, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), can accurately differentiate between m-CPP and actual amphetamines, resolving the false positive.
Navigating Drug Tests While Taking Trazodone
For individuals taking trazodone who are required to undergo a drug test, proactive communication is advisable. It is beneficial to inform the testing facility or the Medical Review Officer (MRO) about the trazodone prescription before the test is conducted. This disclosure can help prevent misinterpretations of results, especially if a preliminary screening indicates a false positive.
Having a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is important documentation to provide if any questions arise. A Medical Review Officer, who is a licensed physician, reviews laboratory results and evaluates medical explanations for certain drug test outcomes. If a legitimate medical explanation, such as a valid prescription for trazodone, supports a positive finding, the MRO will typically report the result as negative to the employer. This process ensures confidentiality of medical information while verifying legitimate medication use.