getting meds out of your system

[emskelly]

I have been taking Flexeril and Darvocet for back pain. I have 6 herniated discs and have had 2 epidural injections with minimal relief. The pain meds have helped somewhat. I take one flexeril and one/two Darvocet daily. I try to use it as little as I can. I am in the process of looking for a new job. I work in the healthcare field and am subject to drug screening. How long does it take to get these meds out of my system? I know this sounds fishy and I assure you it is not. I have only been taking these meds for a short time, and hope not to have to take them much longer. But, I am concerned. It just takes so long to get an appointment with my primary doctor and to get documentation explaining or verifying the scripts is such a hassel. Any suggestions? And do you have any suggestions on how to relieve my back pain without the use of narcotics and muscle relaxants?  Please help!!

[orange7770]

Hey I know what your going through b/c I've been through the same thing.  Flexeril shouldnt show up unless theyre are doing a very thorough test b/c they dont usually test for muscle relaxers.  They are usually testing for hard stuff like coke, heroin (and its derivitives ie. morphine, vicodin, perks)  Your darvs will show up as a narcotic but in my experience it only takes about 3-5 days to get it out completly.  Drink lots of water and cranberry juice, should flush you out pretty quick.  Sorry I have a little experience with this because when I was younger I used to do a lot of "illegal" things.  I would bring the script bottle with you when you take your drug test so you have proof and maybe some records of your back injury.  But I know as a nurse it would be difficult to get hired with a back problem with all the lifting involved....maybe thats why you dont want to mention it...then again that wasnt your question...you should be ok in less than a week if you can go with the back pain.

[Toomanyadvil]

I'm not so sure that they give you the benefit of the doubt in every drug testing case.  They would send the results in most cases straight to the employer.  I was always told you had to privide that information before the test was taken if not it is assumed you failes the drug test.  Not to mention if there are going to be drugs in your system why would you wait to show proof of validity..  Showing proof of validity before hand can eliminate any mis-communications after the test comes up positive for narcotics. Also most employers who insist of drug testing arent sending emploment prospects to get urine tests that are in-depth.  Since they arent looking for anything specific besides illicit drugs and general narcotics, it would be a waste of money for in depth testing. which would mean any positive test would indicate a fail.
Thats only what I was taught, so I would air on the side of caution and not let them come to me when I test positive for drugs.  

[FL_Gal]

You don't have to tell your prospective employer about the prescriptions.  When you take the test, if the drugs show up then a medical review officer (could be a different title depending on the company) will contact you before sending a report to the employer.  You send him/her verification of the legitimate prescriptions, and the officer writes on the report that you "passed".  The employer never knows anything else and it's just as if you had no drugs in your system.

As the previous poster said, the only time there may possibly be an exeption is if the medications that you are taking would impair your ability to do the job or endanger your or someone else's safety.  I'm not sure how that would be handled.  

Fl_Gal

[Toomanyadvil]

    It can take up to 14 dyas for narcotic to leave your system and not show up on a drug test.  But it could also take as little as a week. It deoends on your metabolism and how much you are taking.  You sem to be taking a small amount.
if you have a legetamite script you would probably be fine with the drug in your system. If you live in the US, it is illegal to deny employement to someone just because of a chronic illness, condition or disability. I'm not sure of the laws in other countries. I can understand if you are a DR or nurse as they would be concerned your reaction time in possibly saving a life.  
It is better to be 100% honest than to risk coming up with a "dirty" urine and then have some explaining to do. In that case all bets are off and they could deny emloyment.  Not to mention you may be suprised down the road with another urine test. Just bring your prescription and a statement from your DR saying you have a legetimate need for them at this time.  
But as for detoxing your system, there is no other way to do that but way but time. Teas, pills, tons of water or anything else claiming to rid your body of narcotics is a waste of time and money.  In all my years working at a detox and Rehab I have never come across anyone saying that those things have actually worked.  
Science says there is no other way to do that other than waiting for your body to rid itself.

Good luck

[KAYLEIGH88]

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT HOW LONG IT TAKES THE DRUGS TO GET OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM BUT I DO KNOW A LOT ABOUT WAYS TO TRY & HELP EASE YOUR BACK PAIN,  I GO TO A PAIN MANAGEMENT DR THAT DOES ACUPUNTURE & LIDOCAINE INJECTIONS TO HELP ME WITH MY PAIN. I ALSO STRETCH, WALK IN MY POOL BACK & FORTH TO HELP LOOSEN IT UP. I USE HEATING PADS, ICE PACKS, & GET MASSAGES & PHYSICAL THERAPY. I WOULD SUGGEST USING EITHER ADVIL, TYLENOL OR ALEVE TO HELP WITH THE INFLAMATION. MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST USES AN ULTRASOUND MACHINE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HELP WITH THE PAIN ALSO. I HAVE HAD 10 EPIDURAL INJECTIONS & THE FIRST TIME I GOT THEM THEY DIDN'T HELP, BUT I TRIED TWO OTHER PEOPLE & THE THIRD PERSON THAT GAVE ME THE INJECTIONS GOT IT IN THE RIGHT PLACE & IT REALLY HELPED ME FOR 4 TO 5 MONTHS. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY DIFFERENT PEOPLE UNTIL YOU FIND A GOOD ONE. GOOD LUCK & HOPEFULLY THIS HELPS YOU A LITTLE BIT AT LEAST.   :)