Positive drug screen for benzodiazepine due to a chinese herbal product.
A female athlete tested positive for benzodiazepine on a random drug screen. She denied taking any illicit or prescription drugs. The positive screen was found to be caused by undeclared addiction of diazepam to a Chinese herbal product, "Miracle Herb." Some foreign vitamins, health care products, or herbal tea may contain banned or dangerous additives unknown to the consumer. These additives may include ingredients such as benzodiazepine, mefenamic acid, or corticosteroids. Possible physical harm may result when using products containing these undeclared additives. Team physicians and athletic trainers should educate athletes about the purchase and use of vitamins, herbal teas, and substances that are perceived to be performance-enhancing products, especially those manufactured outside the United States.
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Patricia L. Eachus is Clinical Instructor at Department of Family Practice, University of Tennessee Hospital, Knoxville, TN 37996, and Team Physician at University of Tennessee Women's Athletic Department.