Trooper,

Because the most commonly used polygraph technique, the so-called "Control Question Test," is scored by comparing the examinee's reactions to relevant questions to his/her reactions to "control" questions, and not on the basis of the examinee's overall level of reactivity, it is doubtful that sedatives would do much to help one to pass it. See Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for an explanation of polygraph procedure, and Chapter 4 for an explanation of how to pass.

It is not unusual for polygraphers to leave law enforcement applicants uncertain whether they have passed or failed, especially when they have, in fact, passed. In many agencies, the results are reviewed by another polygrapher, so there's a chance that the original polygrapher's opinion could be overturned.

Examinees are indeed frequently under observation when the examiner leaves the room, either through a closed-circuit television camera or a two-way mirror.

The sensors attached to the fingertips measure skin conductance (or, in some cases, resistance), which is a function of perspiration. They do not measure pressure.

The claim that inconclusives don't exist in Florida is nonsense.

Trooper,

What ever you do, do not even go near the polygrapher under the influence of sedatives. They look for reduced or diminished responses. Your most likely going to be bagged (accused) or at a mininum grilled about why the reactions to his/her questions are muted. Its an automatic disqualification in all circumstances, should you cough up the info, especially if you don't have a prescription for the drug. You want to be mentally sharp and prepared for the battle to come.

Now if you have a Doctors prescription for the drugs, you will be automatically exempt from the test. As any drug, especially opioids and sedatives mess with there ability to readily read your reactions. All you need is a doctors letter stating that you are under a doctors care and why you are taking the prescription.  And wahlah ... get out of polygraph free. And let me just say that they don't much like losing out on there ounce of sweat from you. But then again who cares what a polygrapher thinks!! hehehe 

Download the The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (TLBTLD)  and read it thoroughly and be prepared to do mental battle with the polygrapher, especially read chapter 3 & 4. Sedatives and drugs are not neccessary and will not make you mentally sharp for the fight.

Good Luck   !!

Let me get this straight,

You are willing to take drugs to hide the fact that you have taken drugs in the past in order to get a LE job? (I assume this based on your monicker being "trooper")


Yeah, you have a real good career in LE ahead of you there.  Sorry, but in this case I kind of hope you screw it up and fail.