If you have been consuming Lexapro for a while now, it’s very common yet normal. How long does Lexapro stay in your system? Whether you are concerned with the side effects, planning on changing the medication, or preparing a drug for screening, understanding how your body processes this antidepressant can offer some clarity and peace of mind.
This blog post will help you understand everything from how Lexapro works to how long it stays in your urine, blood, and other body systems. Let’s get into the details.
What Is Lexapro, and How Does It Work?
Escitalopram is the prescription drug sold under the brand name Lexapro. It is a generally prescribed SSRI (Serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and is used for mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This drug increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is important for regulating mood and sleep.
Lexapro helps boost serotonin in the brain, which can lead to improved symptoms of anxiety or depression. But like all other traditional medicines, lexapro does not leave the body the moment you stop using it.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Lexapro in Your System
Several personal and mental factors can influence how long Lexapro stays in your system. These factors include:
- Age. The drug’s metabolism rate is directly proportional to age. It has been seen that it delays in older age.
- Liver Function. The liver processes the drug Lexapro. Impaired liver function can delay elimination.
- Dosage and Duration. Higher doses or long-term use can increase the detectable length of the drug.
- Metabolism. Fast scitalopram metabolism ensures the drug leaves your system quicker.
- Genetics. Some people naturally break down medications more efficiently due to their genetic makeup.
The Half-Life of Lexapro
Let’s jump into the science for a moment and learn about the antidepressant half-life of Lexapro. In simple terms, a drug’s half-life is how long it takes for the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream to decrease by half. Lexapro has a half-life of about 27 to 32 hours.
So, even after 30 hours, only half the amount of Lexapro you took remains in your body. Here is a basic breakdown. Keep reading to learn more about it:
| After 1 day | 50% remains |
| After 2 days | 25% remains |
| After 3 days | 12.5% remains |
| After 4 days | 6% remains |
It can take around 5 to 6 days for the Lexapro to be eliminated from the system in a healthy individual. However, the traces can be left in the person’s unique drug elimination process.
How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Blood, Urine, and Other Systems?
The detection of lexapro is different in different parts of the human body. Here are a few discussed below:
In Blood
Lexapro can be easily detected in the blood plasma after 4 days of the last dose. However, an individual’s dosage and metabolism can affect this.
In Urine
Urine test detection of lexapro is up to 1 week after stopping the medicine. With long-term usage, it can be detected for longer than a week. (Rare Case)
In Saliva and Hair
According to DRUGBANK, this drug can be easily detected in saliva for up to 2 days after the last dose. Hair is rarely used for testing, but Lexapro can be found in the hair follicle for weeks and months.
Effects of Metabolism on Lexapro Elimination
Your body’s escitalopram metabolism is essential in navigating how long Lexapro stays in your system. This happens mainly in the liver because the enzymes such as CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 break down the drug.
Some people experience poor metabolism, meaning it will take longer than a normal individual to eliminate from their system. However, people with fast metabolism can break it down, meaning faster drug elimination and shorter detection times.
Potential Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms
Although lexapro is generally well tolerated, discontinuing can cause withdrawal symptoms. Most importantly, it is used for the long run. The common symptoms may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Mood swings
- Dizziness or headaches
- Sensory disturbances (like “brain zaps”)
These symptoms appear frequently because your brain is used to a certain level of serotonin. Stopping the use of the drug quickly can disturb that balance, and that’ proper warning for that. Tapering off under medical supervision is the ideal way to minimize symptoms.
Learn More About How Lexapro Works at Opus Health
Understanding medicines like Lexapro is essential as it helps you know their effects. It is undoubtedly one of the baby steps to controlling your mental health issues. At Opus Health, we help people identify their mental health challenges with evidence-based care.
If you are someone who is dealing with anxiety, depression, or side effects of the medication, now you don’t have to face it alone because our team is here to help you through the journey, treatment, and help you navigate the treatment route that fits your needs.
FAQs
What is the half-life of Lexapro, and how does it affect its duration in the system?
The antidepressant half-life of Lexapro takes about 27 to 32 hours to remove half of this drug from your blood. This is also dependent on how long it has been taken.
How does escitalopram metabolism impact the drug elimination process of Lexapro?
The body’s ability to metabolize escitalopram, one of the active ingredients, directly impacts the drug elimination process. An individual with a slow metabolism often retains the drug longer than usual.
What factors influence the detection time of Lexapro in blood plasma concentration tests?
The factors that influence the detection time of Lexapro in blood plasma concentration tests include dosage, liver health, age, duration of use, and individual metabolic rate. This can determine how long Lexapro remains detectable in your blood plasma concentration.
How long can Lexapro be detected in a urine test after discontinuation?
This can be found in the urine test detection window of up to one week after consuming the last dose. The more extended use of this drug, the longer it might be detectable.
How does being a serotonin reuptake inhibitor influence the withdrawal symptoms of Lexapro?
It is because serotonin reuptake inhibitors alter the serotonin levels in the brain. Discontinuing the use of lexapro can lead an individual to symptoms like dizziness, sleep deprivation, and mood swings.
