False Negative Xanax Urine Test

[barbarahuber]

I have seen and read your answer to the previous question about receiving a false negative Xanax test.  I, too, tested negative for Xanax even after taking 0.25mg 4-5 hours earlier on the day of testing.  My prescription, though continually written incorrectly by this doctor, is for 0.25mg, 1, 3 times a day as needed but not everyday.  That was what my original prescriber told me.  Now my bottles simply say to take 3 times a day.  I normally average about 1 per day, however, I have an undiagnosed problem with my mouth that has me really stressed out, so I actually believe that, for the period I was being tested for, I had been taking the 3 a day.  I was wondering if there are any medical journal publications or any other articles that may help my doctor to see that there is at least a chance that I did not break the controlled substance agreement I signed for her?  I am just so confused and they won't prescribe the Ambien for me anymore which I need even more than the Xanax.  Thank you, Barbara

[radrolley]

the level could have been too low for a positive. urine testing is not always accurate if it's too dilute. a blood test is the best way to be accurate because you can test the actual levels.

if you are not sure how to take your medicine you need to ask your doctor. what the bottle says it not exactly always the way you should take it. if they want you to take it everyday then you should have many refills to get you by until your next appointment. for a controlled substance like xanax you only need to go in 1 time every 6 months. if you do not get many refills than chances are you are only supposed to take it as needed, not everyday or all the time.

an example is my 1mg xanax says to take 1 every 6-8 hours. it also says in the pamphlet to not stop taking it until the script is finished. i think it is actually an error on the pharmacy end. my doctor told me to only take it as needed and try not to take it more than a few times a month. they monitor it so because they don't want anyone abusing it. they want to make you well, not get you hooked on drugs.

[philnoir]

Yes there are plenty of reports and studies done on controlled substance screens.

Search for them here in this forum or on the internet. Use PubMed if you are familiar with that service.