April 11, 2023Tyler Collins
If you suffer from major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or both, you may have been prescribed Lexapro (escitalopram), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Lexapro is an effective antidepressant, but if you are taking it or considering using it, you may want to know how long it takes for this drug to leave your system.
Perhaps you are worried that it may show up on a drug test, or you want to know how long it takes to stop experiencing side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
In this blog post, we will explain how long Lexapro stays in the body, the factors that influence this time, and what you should keep in mind when taking this medication.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a type of prescription medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of drugs. It is commonly used in the United States to treat two main mental health conditions: major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Lexapro works by inhibiting how the brain reabsorbs the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps to lift mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, like many kinds of medication, Lexapro can produce side effects you should know about before taking it.
Who Uses Lexapro?
Lexapro is a widely used medication in the United States, and it is prescribed to people who are experiencing either major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
It is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Typically, Lexapro is given to adults who are 18 years old or older, although doctors may occasionally prescribe it to younger patients.
How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Your System?
One of the primary concerns for people who use Lexapro is how long the medication stays in their body after they stop taking it.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the half-life of Lexapro is 27-32 hours. This implies that if you take a 10 mg dose of Lexapro, only 5 mg will remain in your bloodstream after 27 to 32 hours. As time passes, the amount of Lexapro in your bloodstream will continue to decrease, and after 54-64 hours, only 2.5 mg will be left. Eventually, there will be an insignificant quantity of Lexapro left in your bloodstream.
Usually, Lexapro can still be detected in your system for up to 6 days. However, different factors can affect the amount of time Lexapro stays in your system, including the dosage you took, how often you took it, and your body’s metabolism.
Will Lexapro Show Up on a Drug Test?
If you are concerned that Lexapro may show up on a drug test, you should know that it is unlikely. Most standard drug tests do not check for the presence of SSRIs like Lexapro, and they usually only screen for illegal or prescription drugs with a high potential for abuse.
However, in some rare cases, such as if you are taking a drug test for a job that requires operating heavy machinery or driving, your employer may ask for more comprehensive drug testing that includes SSRI medications.
If this is the case, a blood drug test and hair test may be able to detect Lexapro in your system. Urine testing and saliva testing are not typically used to detect Lexapro
Factors that Affect How Long Lexapro Stays in Your System
Several factors can influence how long Lexapro stays in your system after you stop taking it. These include your age, body weight, dosage, frequency of use, liver and kidney function, and metabolic rate.
You should always talk to a medical professional about how long Lexapro will stay in your system and any other concerns you may have.
Additionally, if you stop taking Lexapro abruptly, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, dizziness, and headaches.
Best Substance Abuse Rehab in Orange County, CA
In summary, Lexapro is a widely prescribed medication used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in the United States. Lexapro can stay in your system for around 6 days but several factors, including dosage, frequency of use, and body metabolism, can impact how long it stays in your system.
If you are taking Lexapro and have concerns regarding abuse of the medication, reach out for help. Lighthouse Treatment Center is the best substance abuse rehab in Orange County, CA. We can provide the necessary resources and treatment you need to overcome any addiction or substance abuse problems.
