When a drug test indicates “AMP,” it refers to the presence of amphetamines, a class of stimulant drugs, in a person’s system. This acronym signifies the detection of these compounds. This article clarifies what substances can trigger such a positive result for amphetamines.
Understanding Amphetamines
Amphetamines are central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drugs that increase brain activity and alertness. They function by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, leading to increased focus, energy, and wakefulness.
These substances have legitimate medical applications and a potential for misuse. Medically, amphetamines are prescribed to treat conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and sometimes obesity. Outside medical contexts, amphetamines can be misused for their euphoric effects and stimulant properties.
Specific Substances Identified as Amphetamines
Drug tests designed to detect amphetamines identify compounds that are chemically similar or metabolically related. This includes illicit substances and prescribed medications. Illicit amphetamines such as methamphetamine (meth) and MDMA (ecstasy) are readily detected, sharing a core chemical structure that triggers a positive screening result.
Many prescription medications also contain amphetamine compounds or are metabolized into them, leading to a positive test result. Examples include Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, which converts to dextroamphetamine), and Dexedrine. A drug test indicating “AMP” does not distinguish between these prescription medications and illicit amphetamines; it only confirms the presence of amphetamine-related compounds.
Detection Times for Amphetamines
The length of time amphetamines and related substances remain detectable varies significantly depending on the type of drug test and individual factors. Urine tests typically detect amphetamines for one to three days after use. For regular users, the detection window in urine can extend up to a week. Methamphetamine can be detected in urine for up to three days, while MDMA may be detectable for up to two days.
Blood tests offer a shorter detection window, typically ranging from 12 to 24 hours. Saliva tests can detect amphetamines for up to 48 hours. Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, revealing amphetamine use for up to 90 days. Factors such as metabolism, body mass, hydration levels, age, overall health, dosage, and frequency of use can all influence how long these substances stay in the system.
Medications and Substances Causing False Positives
Certain over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and even some dietary supplements can lead to a false positive result for amphetamines on a drug test. This occurs because their chemical structures or metabolic byproducts are similar enough to amphetamines to trigger the initial screening. Common decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, found in cold and allergy medicines, are frequent culprits.
Several antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone, and sertraline, have also been reported to cause false positives for amphetamines or methamphetamines. Other medications that may trigger such results include certain antipsychotics like promethazine, some quinolone antibiotics, and diet pills like phentermine. Even some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, have been associated with false positives, although this is less common for amphetamines. If a positive result is believed to be false due to medication, it is advisable to provide proof of prescription or request confirmatory testing, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which can differentiate between substances.