Which medication may test positive for amphetamines on drug screenings?

Bupropion is known to potentially cause false positives for amphetamines on drug screenings. This medication is primarily an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, affecting norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. Because of its structural similarities to amphetamines, it can be mistaken for them during screening tests, which typically utilize immunoassay methods that may not distinguish between different substances with similar chemical properties.

Some individuals may be unaware of this interaction and the implications for drug testing, which is crucial in settings such as workplaces or treatment programs. This understanding is important for healthcare providers and patients alike to avoid unnecessary complications arising from misinterpretation of a drug screen. Other medications, such as citalopram, escitalopram, and paroxetine, do not share this structural similarity or metabolic pathway that leads to a false positive for amphetamines, making them unlikely to interfere with such tests. This distinctive property of bupropion underlines its importance in discussions regarding medication adherence and monitoring in patients on treatment regimens.