Lifting and Diet supplements

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
My buddy got hurt at work a few months ago. He had to undergo nasty knee surgery. Finally after about 8 months of therapy he is good to go back. He had to take another urine test ( I am guessing to make sure he isn't still rocking his pain medication.).

Well, he is clean across the board except he fails for amphetamines. Now, this guy is a drinker and a fun guy, but in the years I have known him I have never seen him once pop a pill or even smoke marijuana. Not a druggie in the least. He has a job and three kids. He was on pain medication for quite a while due to the surgery, but he isn't addicted.

According to what I and he has read, amphetamines will pop on a drug test for only 2 to 10 days. He has known he had to take the test for months now. So even if he was abusing them and noone knew, he would have known enough not to pop them.

The only thing we can possibly think of other than a false positive, is that he has been lifting as part of the physical therapy (he is a big dude and used to compete in mixed martial arts, so he was trying to get back into shape). He is trying to figure out what he had taken in the last few days that could possibly make him pop on the test. This is the only thing we can think of. In order to get another test, the doctor wants a legitimate reason why he would have popped for amphetamines.

Anyone else have an idea? Any lifters know anything about positives on drug tests due to supplements? Any thing?
In case anyone doesn't know, Amphetamines include Adderol (commonly called Addies) and Ritalin which are for ADD and ADHD. Also it is made into crank a street upper.

CLIFFS:
-Clean, non-druggie guy fails drug test for amphetamines.
-Amphetamines only in system 2-6 days on average.
-Heavy lifter currently taking supplements.
-No other prescriptions.
-Clueless on why he failed. Theories welcome.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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what supplements and meds is he on? fatburners are low grade amphetamines, iirc. sudafed also contains one, iirc.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
Originally posted by: ElFenix
what supplements and meds is he on? fatburners are low grade amphetamines, iirc. sudafed also contains one, iirc.

He called me in a panic as soon as he found out the news. I asked him such questions and he said he would call back as soon as he got home to tell me exactly what he has been taking.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
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0
Originally posted by: ElFenix
what supplements and meds is he on? fatburners are low grade amphetamines, iirc. sudafed also contains one, iirc.

No actually those substances show up as specific metabolites in the urine and are not banned.

Here's an old write up I did on NCAA drug testing...see if any of the supps he is taking contains any of the substances on the banned list.



So what exactly is banned by the NCAA?
http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/ed_outreach/health-safety/drug_testing/banned_drug_classes.pdf
The following classes listed on that sheet are the ONLY substances the NCAA does and can test for. We sign a sheet every year saying that is what they test for. Guess what if they find something else...does not matter if it does not fall into one of the classes as that is all the can test for and have consent for.

Wait, I don't see creatine on that list?
You're absolutely right. Creatine is not banned, and whomever you heard it from was full of crap. Creatine is perfectly legal. Same with whey protein and any other supplements that you have heard that are banned not on that list (or fall into the classes).

I heard Muscle Milk is banned, is that that true?
Well the answer to that is, technically yes. Muscle Milk was banned by the NCAA because it contains IGF-1 (insulin growth hormone 1) precursors. if you read the container it says it has "Growth Hormone releasers." Well anyone who knows anything will tell you that any increase, if at all, of IGF-1 you get from Muscle Milk is so negligible that it will never show up in a test. So unless you get caught carrying a container by NCAA testing officials continue to take it you will be fine. But, since technically it is "hormonal" it has to be banned according to NCAA regulations. Also you must note that the NCAA has deals with Gatorade and other companies that supply protein drinks and there is money to be made by them banning MM. Recently Cytosport and the NCAA entered into an agreement that allows Muscle Milk Collegiate. Now if you were Cytosport, and a majority of your MM customers were high school and college athletes, and the NCAA banned your product, would you not come out with a compliant product, different or not? Of course.

WHAT!?!?!? Caffeine is banned, WTH?
Don't worry, the mcg's/ml limit that is in state can only be reached if you were to around drink 12 cups of coffee in two hours. Also caffeine's half life is 6 hours so it is out of your system very quickly. So continue to take caffeine supplements.

What exactly is the drug testing process? How do they do it and where?
http://www.ncaa.org/library/sports_...gram/2004-05/2004-05_drug_testing_program.pdf
You can read all about it there in the NCAA handout that you have surely gotten if you have ever had an NCAA drug testing official visit your college.

What exactly do they find?
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=803521
That article does a very good job of explaining the science behind the process.

But I heard that Protein supplements without certain ratios are banned?
Wrong, this bylaw only means that Colleges cannot supply their athletes with supplements that are more than 70% protein and not carbs. This does not mean they are banned though. Seriously how would they even test for macronutrients?

I am taking an over the counter cold/allergy medication, will I test positive?
No, pseudoephedrine and other OTC cold medications are not banned.

I take a prescription medication that is on the banned list? Is that okay?
Yes that is fine as long as you have a prescription and a legit reason from a doctor why you are taking it.

How do I find out if a certain supplement or medication/drug is banned by the NCAA? I cannot find any information on it?
First of all when in doubt, don't take it, JW for example. As many things can show false positives, and while it may be cleared later, your reputation willbe ruined and it will cause some serious headaches.

But, if you must really know this site offers confidential help on questions regarding particular supplements/drugs. http://www.drugfreesport.com/rec/home.asp <<<Use the login NCAA d1 and password ncaa1


Other FAQ's from the NCAA:

Who will be drug tested beginning 2004-05 academic year?

* Every Division I institution will be drug tested at least once each academic year beginning this fall. Please know, however, that your institution may be selected for testing more than once each academic year.
* Every Division I sport your institution sponsors is now subject to out-of-competition (year-round) drug testing.
* If your institution sponsors football, 18 football student-athletes plus eight student-athletes from one additional sport will be randomly selected for drug testing.
* If your institution does not sponsor football, only eight student-athletes from one sport will be randomly selected.


When can a student-athlete be selected for drug testing?

Student-athletes are subject to drug testing before, during or after their competitive season.

How and when are institutions notified of their selection for drug testing?

The National Center for Drug Free Sport (Drug Free Sport) will notify institutions via email of their selection for drug testing no earlier than two days before the test day. In some cases, institutions may be notified one day before the test day.

How are student-athletes notified of their selection for drug testing?

* Each institution will designate an athletic administrator to serve as their drug-testing site coordinator.
* The drug-testing site coordinator will provide Drug Free Sport with a squad list containing the names of each student-athlete participating in the sport.
* Drug Free Sport randomly will select student-athletes for drug testing and provide the names of the selected student-athletes to the institution's drug-testing site coordinator.
* The drug-testing site coordinator will notify the selected student-athletes. Selected student-athletes are required to sign the Out-of-Competition Student-Athlete Notification Form, acknowledging their selection for drug testing and will be present at the time and location designated by the drug-testing site coordinator.


How are student-athletes tested and how long does it take?

* Student-athletes are drug tested through urinalysis.
* Student-athletes will be observed by a drug-testing crew member of the same gender.
* The length of the collection process depends on the student-athlete's ability to provide an adequate specimen. If a student-athlete provides an adequate specimen immediately upon arriving at the drug-testing station, the entire process is usually completed in less than 20 minutes.

What about dietary supplements?

Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore purity and safety of nutritional/dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk.

Are over-the-counter dietary supplements approved by the NCAA?

The NCAA does not approve any dietary supplement. Furthermore, the use of any dietary supplement can lead to a positive NCAA drug test.

Does a student-athlete have to disclose the use of prescription medications to the drug-testing crew?

* No. The drug-testing crews do not ask or accept any information about medications student-athletes are taking.
* The team physician/athletic trainer should be aware of all prescribed medications (and supplements) a student-athlete is taking. This information should be kept on file at the institution.
* If a student-athlete tests positive because of a prescription medication, the institution may request a medical exception for certain banned drug classes as outlined in the NCAA Drug-Testing Exceptions Procedures at www.ncaa.org/health-safety.

Can student-athletes beat a drug test by consuming large amounts of fluids?

* No. NCAA drug-testing protocol requires the specific gravity of each student-athlete's urine sample be measured onsite prior to sending the sample to the lab. (Protocol 6.2.5.1)
* If the specimen is too dilute, the student-athlete will be required to remain in drug testing until an adequate specimen is collected. This could take several hours.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
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Amphetamines - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine
(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)
Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil
Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)
Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)
Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, diabetes
 

thepd7

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2005
9,423
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Of course it's his supplements. A lot of the "supplements" out there are just one manufacturing process away from speed.
 

eakers

Lifer
Aug 14, 2000
12,169
2
0
ephedrine?
some cough syrups and allergy meds can give a false for that too, when my friend played varsity rugby they gave her a list of allergy and cold medications she couldn't take
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: vi_edit

Amphetamines - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives


hydroymethamphetamine

If an amphetamine test returns a positive for prescription amphetamine, that's not technically a "false" positive.:p
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
To answer the questions thus far.
He just found out he failed today. He is trying to get another test but when the service called him to tell him he failed, he said they made it seem like he needed a really good excuse as to why he would have failed. I called him back, but he was just eating dinner. He seems pretty worried about everything. I think that things I have read so far should maybe make him feel better. I hope we can figure out what caused it.

I had no idea about the ephedrines ... it is really good info to know... I will have to make sure to never take any a week or two before any drug tests in the future.
 

Special K

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
7,098
0
76
Originally posted by: thepd7
Of course it's his supplements. A lot of the "supplements" out there are just one manufacturing process away from speed.

Which ones?

I don't agree with your statement.
 

CKent

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
9,020
0
0
Drug testing is bullshit.

As for supplements, if he's taking any containing ephedra then that's your culprit. Only thing I can think of; it causes the false positives because it's used in the manufacture of amphetamines and is vaguely chemically similar, resulting in similar breakdown products which the tests can show. It's banned by the FDA in the US, but it's probably still obtainable fairly easily, as an FDA ban isn't the same as drug scheduling and it's still legitimately used for asthma.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
well everyone, I think I may have found what might have made him pop. He just recently tried hydroxycut hardcore. If I am not mistaken it contains Ephedra which...<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra">Ephedra biochemistry

The alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are the active constituents of the plant.</a>

Can anyone tell me if hydroxycut still contains ephedra. I told him he just needs to stop taking all the supplements and nutrition things he has been for the next few days. He needs to drink a good deal of water. Talk to the doctor, explain that he thinks it may be a false positive and that ephedrine can cause a false positives. Hopefully they give him another go.

What else can he do.

From what I understand, the doctors/testing facility should have realized this when he only popped for amphetamines.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
After talking with his family doctor, we think we might have narrowed down what caused him to spike. He is currently trying to get a retest and talk to his employer in order to explain that he is not in fact addicted to crank.
This whole thing has been an absolute mess for him.


so... some words of caution for everyone...
if you have to take a urine drug screening, stop taking everything and anything for at least a week. OTC drugs and herbal supplements are chocked full of chemicals that are similar to the functional groups they test for in urine screenings.