Does Skelaxin show up on a drug test? 

Does Skelaxin show up on a drug test? 

No, Skelaxin (Metaxalone) does not show up on a drug test. Skelaxin is not a narcotic and it is not considered a drug of abuse. It is a muscle relaxant and it’s not something that a standard drug test looks for (1,2). Other muscle relaxants like Flexeril also don’t show up on a drug test.

Skelaxin is also not included in the panel of drugs that are usually tested. However, some other muscle relaxants can cause false positives, but no such case is reported with Skelaxin. If you’re on this medication and you have a drug test coming, don’t worry! 

It is highly unlikely for Skelaxin to make you fail a drug test. However, it is best to inform the drug testing authority about the medications you’re currently taking prior to the test. 

What drugs are commonly detected in drug tests?

Drug tests commonly detect various types of drugs, including illicit substances and certain prescription medications. Most drugs that a standard drug test looks for are drugs of abuse, or generally habit-forming medications which should never be taken without a prescription. 

Some common examples of such drugs include: (3,4)

  • Opioids – Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone.
  • Cannabinoids – THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is found in marijuana.
  • Amphetamines – Amphetamine, Methamphetamine (Meth), MDMA (Ecstasy).
  • Benzodiazepines – Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan).
  • Cocaine – Cocaine, Crack Cocaine.
  • Barbiturates – Phenobarbital, Secobarbital.
  • Phencyclidine (PCP) – PCP.
  • Methadone – Methadone.
  • Synthetic cannabinoids – Synthetic Marijuana (Spice).

How is Skelaxin different from controlled drugs?

Skelaxin, or Metaxalone, is a muscle relaxant medication that is different from controlled drugs. Unlike these drugs, Skelaxin does not have a high potential for abuse or dependence, as it is way less likely to cause physical or psychological dependence (5). 

When it comes to prescribing regulations, Skelaxin is not subject to the same strict rules as controlled substances. It is generally more readily available and can be prescribed more easily. 

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References

1.-

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. Metaxalone. 2021 Sep 13. PMID: 31644145. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548838

2.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 15459, Metaxalone; [cited 2023 June 26]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Metaxalone

3.-

McNeil SE, Chen RJ, Cogburn M. Drug Testing. 2023 Jan 16. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083751. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/

4.-

Moeller KE, Lee KC, Kissack JC. Urine drug screening: practical guide for clinicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jan;83(1):66-76. doi: 10.4065/83.1.66. Erratum in: Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jul;83(7):851. PMID: 18174009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18174009/

5.-

Aro HJ, Hussain A, Bobrin BD. Controlled Substances. 2023 Apr 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383