Will Suboxone Show Up In A Dot Drug Test

I am going to get my cdl class a licenses... Will suboxone I took two weeks ago show up in my screening? They send it to a lab

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The information I have from someone who is prescribed them and from his doctor, is that it does not show up as an opiate on any test, period. Also, it has to be tested for specifically, so unless they by chance add suboxone to their panel test then it will not show up. The most reliable information I have is that it is a completely separate drug test than 5 or 10 panel, and it costs a lot of money. This might sound funny but I also hear from good sources that they only test you for suboxone to ensure it is in your body (in other words: you are receiving it from a treatment clinic and they need to ensure you're taking it). I'm sorry I can't just say a yes or no, but it really seems like it varies depending on how aware an organization of its use/misuse/abuse, but it doesn't seem like most organizations tests for it.

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Just wanted to add that Drew is right that Suboxone is not normally tested for on a DOT drug screening. I found several sources where users state that it has never come up on multiple drug tests. Suboxone stays in the system 3-7 days depending on your dose. So I would think that in two weeks time, you'd be fine regardless.

Below is a reference from another post that may prove to be useful to your situation:

"If the MRO learns the driver is taking Suboxone, the MRO should alert the employer to the safety issue. I had one of these last week, where I notified the employer of a safety issue because of the driver's use of Suboxone. A few days later I learned that the employer had followed through by sending the driver to the local Medical Examiner to be evaluated because of the Suboxone use. The local Medical Examiner said, "no problem" and renewed the driver's DOT card. oh, well.."

I know this is a separate situation, but in this case (as well as others I've read) it doesn't seem like it's something you should stay concerned about. Either way, best of luck with your test. And if you'd be so kind, please post back your results so that others can know what to expect!

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I have been taking Suboxone for roughly 6 years now due to opiate abuse & pain management now. Suboxone is technically in the the opiate class it will not show up as a generic opiate in a urine screen. The dr's that I get my suboxone thru have told me before that they have to request a specific test for it. However, now that more people are taking this drug the labs that supply the dr's with the urine screen plastic cups are starting to make those cups ( 12 panel or higher) that will show if suboxone is in your urine right there in your dr's office. If your urine in the cup shows that suboxone is indeed in your urine they will send request to the lab along with your urine requesting they test for it. They also make those dip sticks they stick in your urine can detect it now also. I to have always heard that 3 to 7 days is how long it stays in your urine. You can tell when it's leaving your system since you would feel minor withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from suboxone includes diarrhea & being nauseous.

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I see all these Q&A posted quite some time now.I am looking to get back to driving a cmv. can anybody tell me if dot's urine test will show suboxone in it now?
thank you. 7/1/2013

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hey whats up man I'm in the same position as you with the suboxone. I have a the drug test monday. What happened with your results? IF you can let me know asap id really apprecieate it

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Drug tests that are only say 5 panel will test by drug CLASS: benzos (valium etc..), opiates (suboxone, vicodin etc...) Marijuana, cocaine etc... Most tests now days are a 12 panel. What this means for you is that say you are prescribed suboxone - you can just show the prescription label to the tester (unless you do not want them to know). If you are not prescribed and you took suboxone - wait 5-6 days. After 5 - 6 days it will be out of your system. Now, every drug is different. Google: "how long do drugs stay in urine ?" there are many websites that will let you know how long. I do know that vicodin is 3-5 and suboxone is 3 -5 days. Remember the time is different for everyone. It depends on body mass - how much fat on your body, amount of water you drink, metabolism. Go with the safest and longest time.

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I know this is from quite some time ago but I wanted to post a current answer in case some drivers come looking and the information posted below, was right during that time it no longer is true.

Bupe, the main ingredient in Suboxone and Subutex, is easily tested for now, it is steadily becoming more common in court, probation, welfare and yes DOT does test for it. Another FYI is that until awhile back I had never seen an immediate ten panel UA test for it, it was always sent to the lab. I went to court, fines review no probation, drug court etc. For whatever random reason I was given a drug test. ..the fact I believe it's a violation of my privacy to have to pee in a cup in front of people because I owe you a couple hundred dollars is a whole other topic that I believe definitely needs discussed. But back on point here lol! I pee in my cup, get a weird look from the lady reading the results and am taken back in the courtroom where the judge starts berating me about what this positive for bupe is...he didn't even know what it was, I believe the new tests were new. Long story short, I was actually told by the judge that he was going to have a bailiff drive me home to prove I was prescribed it! Mk well I had it on me so now awkward car ride was needed. But yup it was a ten or twelve panel standard test and the result for bupe was between opiates and cocaine. Point if that whole tirade is it's obviously not only detectable under request and at an expense. And yes DOT does test for it, I've worked for Conway and you'll be told to either stop taking it, for liability reasons, or find a different job. Most opt for the first choice. The same has been true for the few others I've spoken to who are honest about taking it. Their company gave the same option ...it is after all an opiate and they do have side effects recorded by the FDA and no company, big or small, wants a lawsuit on their hands when you get in an accident. Not saying you would, or not but ya!

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You are incorrect.

Suboxone will NOT show up on a D.O.T. drug screen. Neither will hydrocodone or oxycontin. D.O.T. requires a SAMHSA regulated NIDA 5 - Panel drug screen. This tests for marijuana, amphetamine, phencyclidine (pcp), and Opiates -
SPECIFICALLY natural opiates such as codiene and morphine (heroin)

Suboxone, hydrocodone (vicodin) & oxycontin, for example, are synthetic or semi-synthetic opiates and the metabolites that they break down into - which are what is being tested for - are not the same as codiene and heroin' or other natural opiate, metabolites.

I am a commercial class A Driver and know what Im talking about. Please stop spouting out misstruths. You probably read that they test for opiates and assumed that zll opiates are the same, and break down into the same metabolites.

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Thank you!!!! NMy heart was in my throat. I take Suboxone, 8 mgs a day and I DON'T FEEL IT. Thanks again. I go for Physical Saturday.

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I'm prescribed suboxone, I'm well aware of the chemical compounds that make it up.

I am giving my personal experiences in our company, I now work for a F500 LTL, in human resources and you are tested for every drug under the sun. If you do not provide a complete medical disclosure now you will be terminated in the future, whether weeks or years later and subject to liabilities.

If your not tested at your local occupational, you will be soon. Just a matter of formalities. Good luck with all this, the truth becomes evident when it's staring you in the face, sooner or later.

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I recently started a Suboxone regemine, legally prescribed by a physician to help get me off of oxys and heroin. I feel like a new person and am extremely interested in getting my Class A CDL. So you are positive it will not show up on a DOT drug test.
I am shopping trucking schools now and would hate to go thru the process just to fail the DOT drug test for taking prescribed Suboxone

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Look the yayhoos below that haven't had a physical in a year or haven't experienced what I have due to formalities or new procedures are saying they don't. However I assist in the screening process at Conway Freight, we're the leader in LTL logistics and our drivers are tested, just as DOT screening and for our own standards too. They most certainly test for suboxone. Our drivers who take this or any other drug listed as having ANY adverse reactions that could alter your conscious state or likewise, it's use is strictly prohibited. This goes for narcotic and non narcotic, I've seen drivers have to quit because it came to a choice between heart meds and living or their job. Obviously how DOT and your employer will view this is good riddance, you'll create a liability to them and open the gates for lawsuits if ten years from now you get in accident and are found to be under the influence of anything, prescribed or not.

The drivers I know who were prescribed suboxone were given the same ultimatum, either keep using it for their needs, pain or addiction, and find another career elsewhere or stop taking it and continue work. The drivers I know opted for the later, they're prescribed for pain, very minimal dosages, and suffer through the day but for one especially it is much too late in life to switch careers, especially so close to retirement.

Its unfortunate that it has to be this way but as explained there's a legitimate reason for it. Perhaps you could use sboxone for a short weaning process that lasts only several weeks or months instead of the years it can take. If your addiction was rather light compared to most it can be very successful this way and I've heard it's much easier to quit when taken short term as compared to the years some docs prefer.

I'm on my 21st month now and I feel I could've quit much easier if I'd done it say within 2-4 months. What's your personal usage etc?

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What happens if a driver is not truthful about his/her health history on the medical examination form?

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The FMCSA medical certification process is designed to ensure drivers are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. Each driver is required to complete the Health History section on the first page of the examination report and certify that the responses are complete and true. The driver must also certify that he/she understands that inaccurate, false or misleading information may invalidate the examination and medical examiner's certificate.
FMCSA relies on the medical examiner's clinical judgment to decide whether additional information should be obtained from the driver's treating physician. Deliberate omission or falsification of information may invalidate the examination and any certificate issued based on it. A civil penalty may also be levied against the driver under 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(b), either for making a false statement of for concealing a disqualifying condition.

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Can a CMV driver be disqualified for using a legally prescribed drug?

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Although the driver has a legal prescription, he/she may be disqualified if the medication could adversely affect the driver's ability to drive a CMV safely.

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What medications disqualify a CMV driver?

A driver cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner. If a driver uses a drug identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b)(12)) or any other substance such as amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit forming drug, The driver is medically unqualified. There is an exception: the prescribing doctor can write that the driver is safe to be a commercial driver while taking the medication. In this case, the Medical Examiner may, but does not have to certify the driver. Any anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures is disqualifying. Methadone use is disqualifying. The Medical Examiner has 2 ways to determine if any medication a driver uses will adversely affect safe operation of a CMV:
1. Review each medication - prescription, non-prescription and supplement
2. Request a letter from the prescribing doctor

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There are two more posts that need reviewed. So as I've gotton tired of being called a liar because when I answer someone's questions I get called a liar for not giving the answer they WANT to hear. These should clear it up, these answers can easily be certified and were taken, directly from the FMCSA website.

Good luck...

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Am I required to have a medical certificate if I only operate a CMV in my home State (intrastate commerce)?

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Intrastate drivers are subject to the physical qualification regulations of their States. All 50 States have adapted their regulations based on some of the Federal requirements. Many states grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
NOTE: FedEx, UPS and DHL drivers usually do not leave the state but are subject to interstate regulations.

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This link should have the answer to any further questions you have.

fmcsa.dot.gov

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Its June 2014. They said at DOT physical that suboxone is a automatic disqualification. But A DOT DRUG SCREEN DOES NOOOOOOOT EVEN TEST FOR IT AND IT DOES NOOOOOOT SHOW UP. The only way they know you are taking percocet suboxone or anything like that is if you tell them and if you don't tell them they will never know that's what the doctor told me but she said the chance you take is if you get in an accident and it shows up then you're in trouble but if they don't know you are taking any of those meds they will pass you for your DOT physical sounds crazy but it's true

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The FMCSA medical certification process is designed to ensure drivers are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. Each driver is required to complete the Health History section on the first page of the examination report and certify that the responses are complete and true. The driver must also certify that he/she understands that inaccurate, false or misleading information may invalidate the examination and medical examiner's certificate.
FMCSA relies on the medical examiner's clinical judgment to decide whether additional information should be obtained from the driver's treating physician. Deliberate omission or falsification of information may invalidate the examination and any certificate issued based on it. A civil penalty may also be levied against the driver under 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(b), either for making a false statement of for concealing a disqualifying condition.

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Re: T lee (# 133)

I’ve been on suboxone for a few years and get drug tested regularly as I’m a Paramedic. Suboxone has never shown up on any drug test. Unless they specifically test for it and they don’t. If I can drive an ambulance you’ll be fine. Don’t worry.

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Re: Andrew K (# 9)

I know this was a long time ago, but did you disclose that you were on it? Did you pass? Did they look at medical records? I'm in this predicament now and don't know if I should say anything or not? Do I get a clearance letter from my dr. I'm almost off of it, but not quite

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Can anyone update this, it's 2023 and still want to know if DOT tests for suboxone?? I need a certain yes or no... Thank you

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Re: Ash (# 12)

As someone who works in HR, I certainly would not want to be part of your company. One thing if opiates that make you dopey, another is being on meds that level you. We ask for paperwork that proves employee is not abusing the drug and we ask for history of behavior If the employee wants to provide. This comes from their physician. Suboxone does not make you dizzy or unable to perform your duties. When it is prescribed and not abused, it is okay. Discrimination is very much alive in this Country. Firing people who have legal right to their meds and who did not cause any accidents that resulted from taking meds is helluva way to treat your employees. You are aware many meds can affect ability to perform which can be heart meds, BP meds, thyroid meds and MORE. Wow just wow have a great day. Your attitude stinks and I hope a law suit will level you out a notch.

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Re: Gary (# 129)

Gary were you taking Suboxone or Subutex at the time you took the DOT 10 panel? I have looked online to purchase drug test kits and have seen some 10 panel tests that do include Suboxone or “BUP”. For the test I am due to take, I was told it is a “10 panel drug AND alcohol test”. When I was looking online to purchase drug tests I didn’t not see any 10 panel tests that included both Suboxone and alcohol. Basically what I am asking is how do you know what the test was testing for? Did you see the labels on the test kit? Thanks.

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Re: RickyMags (# 4)

I just took a DOT 10 panel and suboxone or subutex was not on the panel. The company must test for the Acronym BUP. By the NAATB this not considered a synthetic drug tested on a 10 panel DOT urine screen. It is a semi synthetic drug that they would have to test for specifically. If anyone tells you different go to naatb.org if they need a lesson to show them to keep their mouths closed until they read or do research like I did for hours.

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Re: Ash (# 7)

Misinformation... It is NOT tested for on a DOT drug screen even 4 years after this original message. An employer May or May not test for it but it is highly doubtful.

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Re: Billy (# 125)

I posted the answer like 3 times. NO IT IS NOT TESTED FOR. If someone says it is, they're lying. Period.

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Re: duhduhduh (# 8)

Dot test for oxycodone on the new drug panel starting 1-1-18

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Re: Drew (# 1)

Are you sure this is true. It would be really nice to know

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