Everything you need to know about the drug tests parameters

We often hear different names of psychoactive substances in the media or conversations, but we don’t always realize what they really are and how they work. In this blog post, we would like to provide a more detailed and medical explanation regarding selected parameters detected in our drug tests.

Our goal is to provide reliable medical information to ensure a complete understanding of these substances. By doing so, we can make more informed decisions regarding our health and avoid potential dangers associated with the use of psychoactive substances.

1. Amphetamine:

Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant that acts on the nervous system. It is typically used by individuals seeking increased stimulation, improved concentration, or a sense of euphoria. It can be taken orally, inhaled, or injected. Amphetamine increases the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, resulting in increased energy and reduced fatigue.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased energy and arousal, heightened alertness, increased appetite, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritability, restless movements and tics, irregular heartbeat, increased risk of seizures, weight loss.

2. Barbiturates:

Barbiturates are a group of drugs with sedative and sleep-inducing effects. In the past, they were commonly used as sleep aids and anticonvulsants. However, due to the risk of addiction and adverse effects, their use has been significantly limited. Barbiturates act on the nervous system by suppressing brain activity, leading to calming effects.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 2-4 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 2-4 days
• Symptoms associated with use: drowsiness and lethargy, coordination problems, speech and thinking impairments, memory disturbances, significant muscle relaxation, breathing difficulties.

3. Benzodiazepines:

Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle tension. They work by enhancing the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to muscle relaxation, calming effects, and reduced brain activity. Benzodiazepines are widely used but can cause addiction and have a potential for misuse.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-7 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-7 days
• Symptoms associated with use: impaired coordination and muscle weakness, memory and concentration problems, drowsiness and fatigue, balance disturbances.

4. Buprenorphine:

Buprenorphine is primarily used in the treatment of opioid addiction, such as heroin or morphine. It is often employed in opioid substitution therapy programs. Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist on opioid receptors, helping to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce the craving for opioids.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: pain reduction, relaxation and euphoria, decreased opioid cravings, drowsiness and fatigue, breathing difficulties.

5. Ecstasy:

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a psychoactive substance belonging to the amphetamine group. It is often used recreationally due to its euphoric and empathogenic properties. Ecstasy affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, resulting in increased feelings of closeness and euphoria.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: euphoria and increased feelings of closeness, increased energy and arousal, dilated pupils, heightened sensory perception, increased body temperature and sweating, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, and fluid control problems.

6. Phencyclidine (PCP):

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative substance that was originally used as an anesthetic. Its psychoactive effects can lead to cognitive disturbances, spatial disorientation, and a sense of detachment from reality.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: numbness and loss of pain sensation, hallucinations and spatial disorientation, aggression and unpredictable behavior, speech and coordination impairments, dilated pupils, increased risk of seizures, impaired risk assessment, and increased risk of injuries.

7. Fentanyl:

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is much stronger than morphine. It is used in pain therapy but also has potential for abuse. It acts on opioid receptors, causing a reduction in pain perception and a sense of euphoria. However, due to its strong potency, there is a high risk of overdose and life-threatening side effects.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: strong analgesic effect, drowsiness and fatigue, decreased muscle tension, reduced pain perception, breathing disturbances (particularly in cases of overdose).

8. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of marijuana. It acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, causing changes in mood, perception, memory, and cognitive functions. THC can have both calming and stimulating effects and can also affect appetite.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days (period may be extended with regular use)
• Estimated detection time in urine: 3-30 days (period may be extended with regular use)
• Symptoms associated with use: increased sense of relaxation and euphoria, coordination impairments, increased appetite, short-term memory disturbances, heightened sensory stimulation, anxiety and restlessness with excessive dosage.

9. Ketamine:

Ketamine is a psychoactive substance that can act as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It is used in medicine as an anesthetic but also has potential for abuse. Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain, causing changes in perception, consciousness, and mood. 

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: sense of detachment from reality, visual and auditory perception disturbances, coordination and balance impairments, spatial disorientation, possibility of hallucinations, potential risk of injury due to the numbing and pain-reducing effects of ketamine.

10. Clonazepam:

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine primarily used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and epilepsy. It has calming, muscle-relaxing, and anticonvulsant effects. However, long-term use of clonazepam can lead to dependence and tolerance.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-7 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-7 days
• Symptoms associated with use: sedation, drowsiness and fatigue, memory and concentration impairments, motor coordination problems, decreased muscle tension.

11. Cocaine:

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that has stimulating effects on the nervous system. It is derived from coca leaves and can be used as a powder for inhalation (referred to as “cocaine”) or in a form for injection (referred to as “crack”). Cocaine acts on neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, causing a sense of euphoria and increased energy.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased sense of energy and euphoria, heightened alertness and vigilance, increased self-confidence, sleep disturbances, irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure, aggressive and unpredictable behavior.

12. LSD:

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful psychedelic that affects perception, thinking, and emotional states. LSD acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, causing intense hallucinations and alterations in consciousness.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: profound changes in visual, auditory, and sensory perception, hallucinations and delusions, mood disturbances such as euphoria or anxiety, increased sensitivity to external stimuli, sleep disturbances, and a loss of sense of time.

13. Mephedrone:

Mephedrone is a psychoactive substance also known as “meph” . It is a synthetic stimulant with effects similar to amphetamines. Mephedrone can induce feelings of euphoria, stimulation, increased energy, and reduced fatigue. However, it can also be associated with serious side effects and the risk of addiction.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased energy and stimulation, heightened self-confidence, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sleep and appetite disturbances, possible occurrence of psychotic states.

14. Methadone:

Methadone is an opioid primarily used in opioid substitution therapy for individuals addicted to stronger opioids such as heroin. It acts on opioid receptors, alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing opioid cravings. Methadone has a longer duration of action compared to other opioids, allowing for controlled therapy.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: pain relief and sedation, decreased opioid cravings, drowsiness and fatigue, breathing problems.

15. Methamphetamine:

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Similar to amphetamines, it increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, resulting in heightened energy, stimulation, and euphoria. Methamphetamine can be taken orally, inhaled, or injected.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased energy and stimulation, heightened alertness, sleep and appetite disturbances, aggressive and unpredictable behavior, mood disturbances, irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.

16. Morphine:

Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief. It acts on opioid receptors, reducing pain perception and inducing a sense of well-being. Morphine can also be used recreationally due to its euphoric effects, but it carries a high risk of addiction.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: strong pain relief, feelings of euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness and fatigue, muscle relaxation, respiratory depression, particularly in cases of overdose.

17. Oxycodone:

Oxycodone is a strong opioid used for pain relief. It acts on opioid receptors, reducing pain perception and inducing a sense of well-being. Oxycodone can also be used recreationally and has a high risk of addiction.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with drug use: strong analgesic effects, feelings of euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness and fatigue, decreased muscle tension, respiratory disturbances, particularly in cases of overdose.

18. Synthetic Marijuana:

Synthetic marijuana, also known as “k2” or “spice,” is a mixture of chemical substances that mimic the effects of cannabinoids. These substances are often sold as a substitute for marijuana, but their composition and effects can be unpredictable and hazardous to health. Side effects of synthetic marijuana can be severe, such as hallucinations, cardiovascular issues, and mental health problems.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased sense of euphoria and relaxation, visual and auditory perception disturbances, increased appetite, memory and concentration impairments, possibility of anxiety and panic, potential for hallucinations and delusions.

19. Tenamphetamine:

Tenamphetamine, also known as “methylenedioxymethamphetamine” (MDMA), is a psychoactive substance from the amphetamine group. It is often used recreationally due to its euphoric and empathogenic properties. Tenamphetamine affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, resulting in increased feelings of closeness and euphoria.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: increased energy and stimulation, heightened alertness, sleep and appetite disturbances, aggressive and unpredictable behavior, disruptions in heart rhythm and increased blood pressure, increased risk of seizures.

20. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol):

THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. It acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to changes in mood, perception, memory, and cognitive functions. THC can have both calming and stimulating effects and can also affect appetite.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days (prolonged in case of regular use)
• Estimated detection time in urine: 3-30 days (prolonged in case of regular use)
• Symptoms associated with use: increased sense of relaxation and euphoria, motor coordination impairments, increased appetite, short-term memory impairments, heightened sensory stimuli, anxiety and restlessness in cases of excessive dosage.

21. Tramadol:

Tramadol is an opioid used for pain management. It acts on opioid receptors, reducing pain sensations. Tramadol also has antidepressant effects but can lead to dependence and opioid-related side effects.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-3 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-3 days
• Symptoms associated with use: analgesic effects, feelings of euphoria and relaxation, drowsiness and fatigue, breathing problems, decreased muscle tension, possibility of nausea and vomiting.

22. Tricyclic Antidepressants:

Tricyclic antidepressants are a group of medications used in the treatment of depression. They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They have calming and antidepressant effects but are also associated with various side effects.

• Estimated detection time in saliva: 1-7 days
• Estimated detection time in urine: 1-7 days
• Symptoms associated with use: calming and relaxation, drowsiness and fatigue, memory and concentration impairments, coordination problems, possibility of dry mouth and visual disturbances.

In conclusion, understanding the parameters detected by drug tests is crucial for identifying the presence of substances in the body and understanding their potential health effects. Knowledge about these parameters allows us to make informed decisions regarding our health and safety.