Last updated : December 16, 2024
Medical marijuana legalization has caused some employees to test positive on company drug tests even if only using CBD products. Even though CBD doesn’t get you high, small amounts of THC escapes the plant in the extraction process finding its way into the medication. Over time, the levels can build up in the patient’s body causing a positive result. What about legal medications used to treat adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD though?
There are numerous medications prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD, which include:
- Concerta
- Ritalin
- Metadate
- Focalin
- Adderall
- Adderall XR
- Dexedring
- Desxtrostat
- Vyvanse
- Strattera
- Intuniv
- Kapvay
- Wellbutrin
- Qelbree
Why so many?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that one out of every 20 children in the United States is prescribed ADHD medication. Oftentimes, the problem isn’t addressed until they reach school age. An inability to concentrate often leads to disruptive behavior which, of course, affects the entire classroom. Teachers can spot the signs and are often a catalyst in providing a child with the medication they need to be a productive member of the class rather than their behavior negatively affecting other students.
As kids grow changes in their bodies and brains, as well as eventually building up tolerance to certain drugs, sometimes require changes in prescription medications—especially, by the time they reach adulthood.
Physicians consider how ADHD specifically affects a person and then can tailor their medication so they gain optimum results from it.
Two categories
ADHD medication falls into two categories.
Stimulants
These are the drugs that make it possible for adults to test positive for amphetamine or methamphetamine on a company drug test. They’re also known as psychostimulants. After ingesting these drugs, they are identified on drug tests for the following amounts of time:
They are used in first-time treatment once someone receives an ADHD diagnosis. Stimulants slow down the absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine—which are neurotransmitters—in the brain.
When the availability of these chemicals increases in the brain, pathways are cleared to communicate more effectively with each other. It allows focus and clarity to take charge of behaviors.
These drugs work rapidly.
They also are controlled substances since they are habit-forming. There is a potential for misuse associated with stimulants.
Treatments include:
- Methylphenidate—brand names: Concerta, Ritalin, Metadate, Focalin
- Amphetamine—brand names: Adderall, Adderall XR
- Dextroamphetamine—brand names: Dexedrine, Desxtrostat
- Lisdexamfetamine—brand names: Vyvanse
Stimulants can cause a person to suffer side effects that include:
- Lack of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
People with the following medical conditions should not take stimulants.
- Glaucoma
- Advanced arteriosclerosis
- Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
- Moderate to severe hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
Moreover, stimulant drugs shouldn’t be ingested if someone has taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days.
Non-stimulants
Sometimes a patient has an adverse reaction to medications that contain stimulants. On the other hand, some people may not have a response to the drugs at all as far as bettering their condition. Non-stimulant medications also work to clear brain paths for better connectivity, just not quite as effectively.
Someone who has a history of drug addiction or abuse is another candidate for non-stimulant ADHD medication. These drugs don’t carry a “potential for misuse” label. Heart conditions, such as those mentioned above, require non-stimulant medication as well.
Non-stimulants aren’t considered to be as effective as drugs containing amphetamine or the like. They also take longer to kick in once ingested.
Commonly used non-stimulant medications for ADHD include:
- Atomoxetine—brand name: Strattera
- Guanfacine—brand name: Intuniv
- Clonidine—brand name: Kapvay
- Bupropion—brand name: Wellbutrin
- Viloxazine—brand name: Qelbree
There are no known side effects.
Alert your employer
If you take a stimulant ADHD medication, you could test positive on a drug test.
If you know a drug test is in your future, speak to your employer or HR department about it as soon as possible. They will direct you as to how to best handle the situation. Moreover, consulting with your physician could benefit you as well.
