What Drugs Don’t Show Up On a Drug Test?
If you have a drug screen coming up or are just curious, you’ll want to know what drug tests don’t show up on standard or panel drug tests.
After extensive research, case studies, and conversations with doctors I personally know, I’ll be discussing some of the most commonly used drugs and whether or not they’re likely to show up on a standard drug test.
Summary of the Key Findings
- Panel drug tests usually do not test for psychedelics because they are difficult to detect.
- When trying to figure out which drugs won’t show up on a drug test, it’s important to consider how sensitive the testing product is.
- Non-narcotic pain medications, such as Lyrica and gabapentin, will not show up on a typical drug test.
What Kind of Drug Tests Are There?
There are two main kinds of drug tests – standard and panel. Standard drug tests are those that test for the five main drugs: amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).
On the other hand, panel drug tests are more comprehensive and can test for up to twelve different drugs at once. Let us discuss every type in detail.
Standard Drug Tests
There are five main types of standard drug tests.
1. Urine Tests
Urine drug tests are the most common type of drug test. They are relatively cheap and easy to administer and can detect most drugs [1].
2. Blood Tests
Blood tests are less common than urine tests but are more accurate. Blood tests are also the most invasive.
3. Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are less common than urine and blood tests but are becoming more popular due to their ease of administration.
4. Hair Tests
Hair tests are the least common type of drug test but are the most accurate.
5. Sweat Tests
Sweat tests are the least common type of drug test but are becoming more popular due to their ease of administration. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers generally use a common form of drug testing. This type of drug testing uses urine samples to detect substance use in patients.
“The history is important for identifying abuse of some of these drugs because they are not caught by standard urine tests. For example, ketamine (also known as Special K, Super C, and cat valium) won’t show up on a drug test but can cause serious medical problems for users.”– Osama A. Abulseoud, MD
Panel Drug Tests
Panel drug tests are more comprehensive and can test for up to twelve different drugs at once. The most common drugs that are tested for in a panel drug test are:
Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)- Cannabinoids (THC, marijuana, hash)
- Cocaine (including crack)
- Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Quaaludes
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
There are three types of panel drug tests: 5-panel, 10-panel, and 12-panel.
1. 5 Panel Drug Test
A 5-panel drug test is the most common type of panel drug test. It tests for the five most common drugs that are abused in the United States [2]. These drugs are:
- Amphetamines
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
2. 10 Panel Drug Test
A 10-panel drug test is less common than a 5-panel drug test but is still used by many employers [3]. It tests for the five drugs that are tested for in a 5-panel drug test, plus the following five drugs:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Quaaludes
3. 12 Panel Drug Test
A 12-panel drug test is the most comprehensive type of panel drug test [4]. It tests for all of the drugs that are tested for in a 5-panel and 10-panel drug test, plus the following two specific drugs:
- Ecstasy
- MDMA
Which Drugs Will Not Show Up On a Standard Drug Test?
Drugs that will not show up on a standard drug test include hallucinogens, Lyrica, gabapentin, and synthetic drugs.
1. Hallucinogens: Ketamine, LSD, and Psilocybin
Psychedelics are drugs that cause hallucinations. There are many different types of psychedelics, and they are all challenging to test for. There has been a recent surge in interest in using psilocybin for therapeutic reasons.
If you need proof of someone’s drug use, the best way to get it is by sending a DNA sample to a lab for testing. A hair follicle is the best option for this kind of testing.
2. Lyrica and Gabapentin: Non-Narcotic Pain Medications
Non-narcotic prescription drugs are used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other causes. Non-narcotic drugs such as Lyrica and gabapentin will not appear on typical drug tests. These substances are typically only administered in specific or rare cases.
Gabapentin is a specific drug used to help control seizures in epileptic patients, and Lyrica has a similar effect on users as gabapentin. People can become addicted to it, causing drug abuse and withdrawal-like symptoms if they stop taking it.
3. Synthetic Drugs
There are a number of illegal drugs that are synthetic versions of common illicit substances, such as synthetic marijuana. Many people are trying to fight this because these drugs can be very harmful and cause serious substance abuse.
What Drugs Won’t Show Up on Common Panel Tests?
Drugs that won’t show up or test positive on common panel tests include psychedelics, research chemicals, and kratom.
1. Psychedelic
Psychedelic drugs are very hard to test for and might not even be possible to test for at all. Some of those drugs, like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, mescaline, and peyote might be detected through hair samples, but this is not always reliable.
Psychedelic drugs can severely cause harm to a person’s body which can lead to decreased motor skills due to substance abuse. It would be very difficult to ‘trip’ and get away with it in rehab.
A drug test would probably not be needed, but if you need hard evidence, I would suggest that a hair or DNA test would be the best way.
2. Kratom
Kratom is a fairly new drug that is not commonly tested. Kratom is a plant that has effects similar to opioids. It is popular among people in recovery because it can help them pass drug tests.
3. Research Chemicals
People use many chemicals to try and beat a drug test. They often use these chemicals in sober communities where people are trying to stay away from substances or when they are on probation.
These chemicals are often called “bath salts” or “spices.” They are certain drugs that can imitate the effects of almost any drug, and they are constantly being changed or improved by a specific compound. They are also sold at convenience stores and gas stations.
Unfortunately, many of these drugs do not undergo any common test or lab test. It can be hard to know what drug is being used or if it is illegal and they can be extremely addictive.
Related Articles:
- Will Concerta Show Up in a Drug Test?
- Will Methadone Show Up on a Drug Test?
- Does Ibuprofen Show Up in Urine Drug Test?
FAQs
What drugs show up on a urine drug screen?
Drugs that show up on a urine drug screen are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates.
What shows up on a 12 panel drug test?
A 12-panel drug test shows marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and a number of other drugs.
What Drugs Don’t Show up on a Drug Test?
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor or a treatment center. They will be able to help you figure out what drugs are being tested for and how to avoid them.
If you need a quick solution to your upcoming drug test, check out Clear Choice Rescue Cleanse, a product that can help you cleanse your system before a drug test. As one of the most reliable detox drinks on the market, its formula heavily relies on natural ingredients to flush out the toxins that are usually screened for on drug tests.
References:
- https://academic.oup.com/jat/article/40/7/479/2364062
- https://www.nationaldrugscreening.com/5-panel-drug-test/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/10-panel-drug-test
- https://www.health-street.net/product/12-panel-urine/
