Blood test issues during health check-ups?
I am currently taking 30 mg of Paroxetine (Paxil) daily.
Since my workplace is conducting health checks soon, I am concerned whether blood tests will reveal the use of this medication.
I am worried about my colleagues finding out.
Additionally, my doctor has prescribed Mocalm (S.C.
0.25 mg) for me to take when I feel anxious, but I find myself taking it every morning, which seems to provide me with some reassurance.
Could this be related? Thank you.
ii, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/05/13
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the medications you are currently taking will not affect your health check results.
Generally, routine blood tests during health screenings do not specifically check for drug concentrations, so you do not need to worry about the impact of medications on your health report.
The medication you take in the morning is considered mild, and if taken daily, it can provide you with more peace of mind.
Continuing the medication for a period of time should have more benefits than drawbacks.
As for when to discontinue the medication, it is advisable to discuss this in person with your physician during your follow-up visit.
Best wishes to you.
Reply Date: 2014/05/13
More Info
When it comes to health checkups and blood tests, many individuals often wonder whether their current medications will be detected and how these medications might affect the results. In your case, you mentioned taking medication for anxiety, specifically 30 mg of "萬憂停" (which is likely a brand name for a medication like Paroxetine or another SSRI) and "mocalm" (which is a muscle relaxant).
Generally speaking, routine blood tests conducted during health checkups do not specifically screen for the presence of psychiatric medications or other non-narcotic drugs unless there is a specific reason to do so. Most standard blood tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC), metabolic panels, and lipid profiles, are designed to assess overall health and do not include drug screening. Therefore, you should not be concerned that your colleagues or healthcare providers will discover your medication use through these routine tests.
However, it is important to note that certain specialized tests can detect the presence of specific medications in your system. For example, if a healthcare provider suspects substance abuse or if you are undergoing a specific treatment that requires monitoring of medication levels, then a drug screening might be performed. In your case, since you are undergoing a routine health checkup, it is unlikely that your medications will be flagged.
Regarding your concern about taking "mocalm" daily for anxiety, it is essential to consider the implications of long-term use of any medication. While it may provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms, it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help assess whether this approach is appropriate for your situation and if any adjustments need to be made.
Moreover, the use of medications like "萬憂停" and "mocalm" can have side effects, and their efficacy can vary from person to person. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel more at ease when they take their medication regularly, but this should be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that it is the best course of action for your mental health.
In summary, routine blood tests during health checkups are unlikely to reveal your medication use unless specifically tested for. It is always best to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as they can provide guidance tailored to your health needs. If you have further concerns about your medications or their effects, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment to discuss them in detail. Your health and well-being are paramount, and maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare provider is key to achieving the best outcomes.
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