Hello and thanks so much for choosing this forum to pose your important legal question. I will do my best to give you some honest and accurate guidance.
First, I would definitely contact your union and see what they recommend. One very important factor, obviously, is if you actually piloted while "under the influence". I think that you possibly will not even see a positive result. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic, and it does share some of the same effects and structure as the benzodiazepine drugs. Benzos effect the GABA receptors and Ambien effects a subunit GABA receptor. I did some searching and found out that many urine test assays are calibrated with either oxazepam or nordiazepam because these are common metabolites of other benzodiazepines. In fact, few laboratories screen for anything other than oxazepam or nordiazepam when it comes to testing for benzodiazepine drugs.
If the results do come back positive, I would suggests making sure to take advantage of any protections available to you in the form of confirmatory testing, alternate laboratory setting, etc. So, my basic answer is wait and see. If there is a problem, then I would definitely admit to your employer that you perhaps forgot about taking the Ambien. Be sure to have proof (copy of prescription, pill bottle) on hand. Ultimately you will have to take whatever action you decide is appropriate, but I have tried to provide you with some information to consider.
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The information provided is general in nature only and should not be construed as legal advice. By using this forum, you acknowledge that no attorney-client relationship has been created between you and Benjamin M. Burt, Jr., Esq. You should always consult with a lawyer in your state.
Lawyer (JD)
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