What is DRUG OF ABUSE ( DOA ) URINE - BENZODIAZEPINES?

Does this test have other names? Benzodiazepine urine toxicology screen

What is this test?

This is a urine test to check for a type of medicine called benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines (behn-zoh-di-AZ-uh-peens) are medicines that depress the central nervous system. They are used to sedate patients, help them sleep, prevent seizures, ease anxiety, and relax muscle spasms. You may also hear these medicines called tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants.

Examples of common medicines for anxiety, muscle tension, and seizures include:

• Alprazolam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam
• Lorazepam
• Oxazepam

Examples of common medicines for calmness and sleep include:

• Temazepam
• Triazolam
• Flurazepam
• Estazolam

These medicines are also sometimes used illegally. Street names for these medicines include "downers," "benzos," "nerve pills," "candy," and "tranks." Chronic abuse of benzodiazepines can lead to addiction. Using these medicines with other depressants like alcohol can be fatal.

Why do I need this test?

Even if you have been prescribed one of these medicines, you may need this test if you have signs or symptoms of an overdose. Signs and symptoms of overdose can include:

• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Loss of muscle control
• Trouble thinking or talking
• Low blood pressure
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Seizure
• Unconsciousness
• Cardiac arrest

You may also have this test if a healthcare provider thinks you are abusing these medicines or using them illegally.
If you have signs as above, you may also have this test as part of a drug screen to check for other commonly abused medicines. These screens often include tests for:

• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Marijuana
• Phencyclidine

If you are conscious and able to talk, you can give information to help your healthcare providers figure out the right test for you. For example, if you are a victim of sexual assault, you may have this test to see if someone put a benzodiazepine date rape drug, such as flunitrazepam (Rohypnol or "roofie"), into your drink.

You might also be tested if providers think you have taken benzodiazepines accidentally or in a suicide attempt.

Different benzodiazepines have different doses, ranging from 0.5 to 50 milligrams (mg). Overdoses of 10 to 20 times the prescribed dose of some benzodiazepines can cause a mild coma but don't cause slow or shallow breathing. Most people recover. But overdoses of fast-acting benzodiazepines such as triazolam are more likely to cause breathing problems and even death.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

You may also have a glucose test to check your blood sugar.
A benzodiazepine overdose alone is unlikely to cause coma or severe heart or lung function problems. If you have those symptoms, a healthcare provider may screen for other drugs and test for causes of central nervous system problems that are not caused by medicine or drugs.

You may also have a blood test for benzodiazepines. In some cases, it may be more practical to take a blood sample than a urine sample. Blood tests are also harder for a person to alter to hide drug abuse.
Which tests you have depends on your exam and information that you are able to provide.