Posted by Elizabeth on June 8, 2001, at 19:32:03
In reply to Re: Ambien and Drug Tests, posted by Daveman on June 8, 2001, at 0:30:38
> The typical drug test does include a screen for benzodiazepenes. While Ambien is not a benzodiazepene, I have seen cases where it showed up.
Can you elaborate? Ambien is not a benzodiazepine (it's an imidazopyridine) and is chemically dissimilar to the benzos (although it does have certain stereochemical similarities), and it has no benzodiazepine metabolites. What sort of drug test was it, and how did you find out about the results?
> You can avoid any possible questions if you have a legitimate prescription for Ambien use, by simply disclosing that fact before the test.
That's true, and employers aren't *supposed* to discriminate on this basis. But as we all know, people often get away with doing things they're not supposed to do.
> Check to make sure your employer has a policy permitting the use of prescription medications so long as they do not interfere with the performance of your job duties (most employers do).
In theory -- in the USA at least -- the Americans With Disabilities act should protect you. I would guess that most other Western countries have more progressive policies if anything.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:65589
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010605/msgs/65827.html