Nyquil is an over-the-country medication that is used to subdue common cold symptoms. As most of us who have taken the brand-name or generic version of Nyquil know, it’s a medication that should be taken at night because it can make you drowsy.
This is because Nyquil contains substances such as antihistamines (sedative substances) and hypnotics. Those who take Nyquil to treat their cold are at risk of being accused of taking methamphetamines. This is because those taking Nyquil can test positive for methamphetamines in the blood.
FALSE POSITIVES ARE POSSIBLE
Our drug crime defense lawyers know that Nyquil can cause innocent individuals who are tested for drugs to show a false positive for methamphetamines. This means that even though they are innocent and haven’t taken drugs, they could be charged with a drug crime based on blood testing – all for taking cold medicine.
Using Nyquil could also produce a false positive for Ecstasy or MDMA. This could also result in serious problems for individuals, for example, who are being investigated at a party or rave event that went out of hand that police have broken up.
In such cases, it is important that you contact an experienced California drug crime defense lawyer who can help you take care of the situation and get it under control before you face penalties for possession or use of drugs or driving while under the influence of drugs.
If you are asked by investigating police officials to take a blood test, it is best to do so. However, before you do so, ask for permission to contact your criminal defense lawyer.
This will give your lawyer to take the necessary action to help you avoid the potential consequences should you get a false positive of using meth or Ecstasy simply because you took Nyquil to subdue cold or flu symptoms.
OTHER DRUGS AND FALSE POSITIVES
In addition to Nyquil, there are a number of everyday drugs that could lead to false positives, of which many of us may not be aware. For example, ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil, which could lead to false positives for marijuana.
If you take more than the recommended dosage, here is a higher likelihood of a false positive. Benadryl, which is commonly taken for allergic reactions, could lead to a false positive for Benzodiazepines or PCP.
Claritin, which is commonly taken by millions for seasonal allergies contains the active ingredient Loratadine, which could lead to false positives for drugs such as methamphetamine or Ecstasy.
Mucinex DM contains active ingredients that could lead to false positives for heroin, opiates, and morphine. Much like Nyquil, nasal sprays such as Afrin could also lead to false-positive for meth and Ecstasy.
WHAT STEPS CAN YOU TAKE?
If you are facing drug crime charges as a result of taking an over-the-counter drug such as Nyquil, calling an experienced drug crime defense lawyer right away can help you minimize the consequences. If you have been charged with drug use or driving under the influence of drugs, you could face potentially serious repercussions from jail time to hefty fines. A knowledgeable lawyer can help conduct the necessary tests that will get the charges against you dropped.