Polygraphers are taught to believe that examinees should breathe at a rate of between 15 and 30 breaths (in and out) per minute. If an examinee's breathing rate falls outside this range, countermeasures may be suspected. Thus, you might want to breathe at a higher rate during your polygraph examination.

The key to passing the polygraph is to show stronger reactions to the "control" questions than to the relevant questions. You'll find suggestions on how to accomplish this in Chapter 4 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. (An understanding of the topics covered in Chapter 3 is a pre-requisite.)

Assuming the following

1 - I have a GI problem and can not take NSAIDs (ibuprofen, asprin, etc) without forming ulcers - so I am prescribed CII narcotics
2 - In addition to the narcotics, control of my medical condition requires extremely potent muscle relaxors.  These are taken daily.

given that the polygraph uses respiration rate, which is supressed by the narcotics to 9-10/min and other responses affected by muscle relaxors, and I honestly can not drink due to the underlying condition, so I've never driven drunk - the question simply put is - am I likely to screw up the polygraph exam?

Drug tests are reviewed with a MD, who can not legally disclose details of my condition to my employer under the HIPPA act when these substances are found in the test.  Since the prescription bottles are under 30 days old and bear my name, with the prescribing doctor's name,  they are not in violation of the illicit drug abuse policy, and the test must be marked "clean"

Polygraphers, on the other hand, are not held to the standards MDs are to protect *MY* right to privacy, and as such, I am not likely to disclose to them that I took the equivalent of 12 Vicodin and 4 Vallium just prior to taking the test.  I am not required to disclose any pre-existing conditions (and in fact it is illegal for the employer to ask about these) during an interview/conditional employment offer.  So there is no reason to suspect medications affecting the test.

In effect the polygrapher could tell me he is banging my wife and not get a response due to the medication's effects.  Because my drug test came back "clean" from the doctor, the polygrapher will rule out drugs.  

What assumptions will they make to the depressed respiration and total lack of emotion, plus the truth that I've never driven drunk, nor have I been allowed to drink alcohol?  I don't feel comfortable discussing medical conditions with the polygrapher since they are not legally bound to protect my privacy, in fact, quite the opposite.

How do I handle an upcomming exam which will likely show no reaction to any questions, and no change in the variables logged by the machine during the exam?