[kidmindi]

I have a pre-employment drug test coming up. I have a prescription for demerol and phenegrine that I take for migraines as needed. If I take one will it show up as an opiate in a drug test?I have a killer headache today, but I don't want to take the meds if it will show up in the drug test. I know i have a prescription for it, but I really don't want to start a new job having to explain about the migraine meds.

[daddyrx]

Yes it will show up on a drug screen. However. if you have a valid prescription you will ok as long as you bring it to the testing site with you.

[yarbigy]

depends on the test. most older, basic urine strip drug tests dont pick up pethdine (demerol) but then again some do....i.e. the NIDA 5 panel wont detect it. However, most of the decent or more modern tests will.The difference is that while Demerol is opiate receptor agonist in the body, it has NOTHING chemically to do with the natural and semi-synthetic opiates based around morphine, codeine and thebaine. It is not a morphinan and thus does not show up on panels checking for metabolites of these type of drugs.its a phenylpiperdine and has a different metabolic path and different metabolites then natural and semi synth opiates. So it typically requries another test panel.your valid RX should be enough to excuse from any troubles. If you need pain control, its a legitimate medical treatment as much as anything else.

[Christy SD Nurse]

Demerol is an opiate so yes it will show up, Opiates stay in the body 3-5 days. However, if you have a valid Rx for the Demerol you will have no problems, just take the bottle with you to the test, and they will verify the Rx and everything will be fine.