Zoloft & Positive Urine Analysis

Technically, Zoloft should not produce a positive urine test, as it is not a drug that is tested for by urinalysis. However, Zoloft may produce a false positive for benzodiazepine use.

Zoloft

Zoloft is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of conditions including but not limited to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Definition

Zoloft is the brand name of a drug called sertraline. Sertraline belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI's.

Urinalysis

According to Erowid.org, a urine test, which is also known as urinalysis, is the most common and least expensive type of drug screen. Urinalysis typically detects drug use within the past week, though the detection time may be longer for long-term drug users.

Types

All standardized drug tests test for a group of five drugs known as the SAMHSA-5, which includes amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP. Expanded drug tests may also detect alcohol, barbiturates, Ecstasy, and benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax.

False Positives

According to research published in 2009 in the journal Psychiatry, those who are taking sertraline may produce a false positive urinalysis for benzodiazepines.

References

• Erowid.org: Drug information website
• Zoloft.com
• 2009 Psychiatry study: "False-Positive Urine Screening for Benzodiazepines: An Association with Sertraline?"