Will buprenorphine test positive for opiates?
Although it counts as an opioid, buprenorphine is different enough in structure to opioids that it won’t show up or test positive with a standard or extended opioid assay. This is helpful to know if you want to work during your opioid addiction recovery, and you are worried that buprenorphine may appear on a drug test.
It will only show up if the company or your doctor orders a buprenorphine-specific test, or another sort of testing, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which is expensive. These are entirely separate immunoassays that will test for buprenorphine. Some doctors may order buprenorphine-specific assays to check that you are taking your buprenorphine as prescribed.
If you find yourself in a situation where your employer has requested a specific test for buprenorphine, and it comes back positive, you still have protection under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Your buprenorphine prescription serves as legal proof that you have the right to take it and you can also obtain more documentation from the clinic that helps you with treatment to support your case. Most employers cannot deny you work based on your status as a buprenorphine patient unless they have a justified reason, or if taking buprenorphine would impact on your workplace safety.
References
- Standridge J, Adams S, Zotos A. Urine Drug Screening: A Valuable Office Procedure. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Mar 1;81(5):635-640. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0301/p635.html#:~:text=Standard%20immunoassay%20testing%20is%20fast,fentanyl%2C%20buprenorphine%2C%20and%20tramadol.
- Balhara YP, Jain R. A urinalysis-based study of buprenorphine and non-prescription opioid use among patients on buprenorphine maintenance. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2012;3(1):15-19. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.92496
- How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay in Your System? Oct 1, 2019. BAART Programs. https://baartprograms.com/how-long-does-buprenorphine-stay-in-your-system/
Read next
How long does opioid withdrawal last?
How long opioid withdrawal lasts depends on the opioid you have been taking and whether it is a short-acting or long acting opioid.
If you have been using a short-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 4 to 10 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 8 to 24 hours after last use.
If you have been using a long-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 10 to 20 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 12 to 48 hours after last use. Continue reading
How long does buprenorphine stay in your system?
After one sublingual (under the tongue) or buccal (in the cheek) dose, buprenorphine stays in your system for about 5 to 8 days if you are healthy or 7 to 12 days if you have liver disease. Continue reading
What drugs cause pinpoint pupils​?
Pinpoint pupils, medically termed miosis, refer to abnormally small, constricted pupils that do not dilate appropriately in low light. This symptom is a significant clinical clue and can be caused by various drugs and toxins. Some examples include opioids, clonidine, buspirone, and metoclopramide.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- What are the different brands of buprenorphine?
- Is buprenorphine an opiate / narcotic?
- What is the difference between Sublocade and Brixadi?
- What are the different types of buprenorphine/naloxone?
- How long do you take buprenorphine for?
- Is Buprenex the same as buprenorphine?
- How long does Suboxone block opiates?
- What to avoid when taking naltrexone?
- What happens if you take opiates on Suboxone?
- How long should you wait before taking Suboxone?
- How long does Percocet stay in your system?
- Should I take naltrexone in the morning or at night?
- Can you drink alcohol on Vivitrol or will you get sick?
- Does Suboxone help with pain?
- Does naltrexone cause weight gain?
- Can you take Subutex with opioids in your system?
- How long does it take for Suboxone to start working?
- Subutex vs Suboxone: What's the difference between them?
- How long does naltrexone take to work?
- How long does Fentanyl stay in your system?
- Is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone?
- How long does Subutex stay in your system?
- Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
- Fentanyl test strips: where to get & how to use?
- Sublocade vs Suboxone - What's the difference between them?
- What are the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
- What is the mechanism of action for naltrexone?
- Round white pill with 8 on one side and an arrow on the other side. Is it Subutex 8 mg?
- Is Suboxone a controlled substance?
- How does fentanyl compare to heroin or other opiates?
Drug information
- Buprenorphine Information for Consumers
- Buprenorphine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Buprenorphine (detailed)
- Buprenorphine user reviews (1,154)
Related support groups
- Buprenorphine (42 questions, 342 members)
- Opiate Dependence (150 questions, 2,362 members)