Concerta and Employment Drug Testing

Hi everyone,

I am applying for a job that says they do drug testing of their employees, both pre-employment and at random during employment. I am wondering if my Concerta would show up on a drug test. Has anyone encountered this situation before? If it does show up on a drug test, do you then have to reveal to the employer that you have ADHD, with all the jeopardizing of employment prospects that that admission can entail?

Any experiences or information that you can share would be appreciated. Thanks!

When you go in for the drug test, they will ask if you ar currently taking any medication. When they do, be sure to tell them everything youa re taking. If they do not ask, offer the information. You need to let them know ahead of time because concerta is a stimulent and will show up on a drug test most of the time.

Dark Dreams,

Thanks for the info. Does the employer get the information that you give the testers about what medications you are taking?

That I don't know. I think it depends on how the test is done and what kind of info the employer asks for. Would be worth asking the tester when you go in.

Is there any reason you would be concerned about your employer knowing you were taking it?

Only because there can be a lot of stigma associated with ADHD... if people don't know much about it, they think it's a made-up disease and an excuse for laziness, and if they do know about it, they may fear that some of those not-too-wonderful ADHD traits (disorganization, poor time management, etc) will show up in their workplace.

I understand what you are saying, I went through that myself....but do know that ADHD is covered under the American Disabilities Act so if they have already hired you, then find out about your ADHD and fire you, that is a major no-no on their part...you can sue the crap out of them! And they know it too! It might be a good idea disclosing the ADHD to human resources just to cover your behind in case something happens. But do what you are comfortable with

If you feel uncomfortable talking about it with your employer would it be possible to stop taking your meds for a couple of days? I think these meds are in and out of your system pretty fast.

I had a friend who wanted to join the Navy, and he couldn't get in because he had ADHD. He also failed the drug test because he was taking Adderall.

I would be honest about the medications you take. Not being honest before a drug test is a bigger jeopardizing of employment prospects, in my opinion. Or are you saying that this place is drug testing before making a firm job offer??

I don't think the resource doing the drug testing can reveal the medications you are on. That would violate your privacy rights. As far as I know, they get a yes or no answer as to whether you tested postive for illegal drugs. Good luck.

I've been drug tested by an outside lab prior to employment by an outside lab (not the employer itself). Yes the Concerta will show up in the drug test. A medical review officer will contact you and ask about either the doctor who prescribes the med or the pharmacy you get the med from. They are supposed to contact the doctor or pharmacy. Or they may require you to produce a copy of your prescription, predating your drug test of course. If the required proof is received, then the results are reported as negative to the employer. They cannot reveal the medication you take or the reason you take it, because if they do, they are violating HIPPA laws.

Kate, one of the reasons that you are taking the medication is so that the negative aspects of your ADHD can be better controlled. I am sorry you are worried about being judged!
You must be honest about the legally prescribed medication, or you may not get the job.

Great post!!! Is this HIPPA law applicable accross the U.S.?