Understanding False Positives in Blood Tests for Antidepressants

Question
I recently took a blood test and tested positive for anti-depressants. I've never taken any medication for depression. The only medication I took was 1 Excedrin PM the night before, and the day of the test I use Nasacort nasal spray for allergies and Mucinex nasal spray for congestion. How can my test come out positive?

Answer
Hi Nonie, I'd be glad to try and answer your question.  The test may have come back positive, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are taking anti-depressants.  No tests is 100% positive.  Certain medications and some disease conditions can cause a drug test to be inaccurate.  I would notify your doctor (or whoever sent you for the test) that you weren't taking any antidepressants.  They may decide to retest you with a more specific confirmatory test.

**This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advice.**