Looking to find out more about Lexapro? Transcend Recovery Community has all you need to know about "How long does Lexapro stay in one's system," its half-life, and how a drug used to treat depression may affect people's lives through addiction.
You can also learn what to do when you experience withdrawal symptoms, especially with your starting dose, and when drugs like Lexapro stay in your system.
Continue reading to find out more.
How Long Does Lexapro Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
Lexapro may have a varied duration when it comes to staying in the body ranging from a few hours to a week. Here are some of the findings in various testing methods for this medication.
Lexapro in Urine Tests
Since Lexapro is not a controlled substance, urine tests are not used for this depression medication.
Lexapro in Hair Follicle Tests
As with most depression medication, or drugs in general, a hair test may take at least 90 days to allow for detection.
Lexapro in Saliva Tests
Saliva or swab tests offer the least reliable results as traces may be found within hours.
Lexapro Detection in Blood Tests
Lexapro may stay in your system's bloodstream for at least a good 6 days.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name for the generic drug, Escitalopram. It is generally used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. This medication is also used to treat depression.
The particular medication belongs to a class of antidepressants referred to as the "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" or SRI. These substances work by altering the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.
Some of the common side effects of this depression medication include:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- lethargy
- drowsiness
- excessive sweating.
- seizures
- irregular heartbeat
- eye pain
- vision changes
- black or tarry stools
You must consult your healthcare provider should any of these worsen. Lately, medically reviewed journals survey the efficacy of escitalopram and the role of the medication for future use.
Determining Factors on How Long Lexapro Stays in Your System
There are many factors to consider when it comes to Lexapro remaining in your body. This may vary from person to person, especially when the severity of their addiction o medication abuse is taken into consideration.
Let's take a look at some of the samples:
- Hepatic and Renal health - If you have severe kidney problems or liver disease, it is expected that your body will take a longer time metabolizing drugs like Lexapro.
- Age - Young adults have the advantage of processing and excreting substances out of their bodies, unlike older people, particularly those who are in their 60s and above.
- Lexapro Half-life - The estimated half-lives for drugs like Lexapro range from 27 to 32 hours. It may vary from one person to another.
As always, if any of these factors remain a concern for you, don't hesitate to talk to a health professional regarding your medication.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Lexapro?
Similar to other medications, like Vyvanse, if you go "Lexapro cold turkey," you may encounter many issues that would hinder you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. As our brain is wired in many different ways, people will feel withdrawal symptoms differently from others.
Withdrawal symptoms would range from mild to severe depending on the amount you've taken if you're stopping Lexapro for the first time. Here are some of the withdrawal signs you should take note of:
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Focus problems
- Crying
- Memory issues
- Motor control issues
- Erratic mood shiftings
- Sleep issues (insomnia, nightmares, lucid dreaming)
People suffering from Lexapro withdrawal may feel symptoms between one to three days since their last medication or dose. It may relieve itself eventually within a few weeks.
Should the sensations bother you when you quit cold turkey, it's perfectly normal. You may talk to your doctor about how you can effectively wean yourself from the usual dose/medication, and quit altogether.
About Lexapro Misuse and Addiction Treatment
It's not always easy to accept if someone close to you, like a friend, spouse/partner, or a family member has succumbed to addiction. But as long as you detect the warning signs early on, you can still do something to avoid it from worsening. Here are some of the common Lexapro addiction symptoms.
- Aggressive behavior
- Violent thoughts & actions
- Hallucinations
- "Electric shock" feelings or sensations
- Libido decrease
If any of these symptoms manifest, you could talk to licensed medical professionals to get the appropriate advice for your condition.
As with most substance addictions, getting better doesn't just end with quitting your dose. It entails deliberate planning to address any potential issues so as not to experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms or relapse in the case of the patient.
Here are some of the common treatment options available:
- Custom/Individual therapies - These may involve the use of behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, de
- Residential or inpatient treatment
- outpatient mental health programs
- Detoxification
- medication management
Sometimes, sober living-type of living arrangements help people, especially those who are almost finished with their treatment as they transition slowly to their normal lives. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider and seek professional medical advice from your doctor.
How To Get Help from Lexapro Addiction?
Most people feel ashamed of seeking help for their addiction problems. But that shouldn't be the case. Getting help nowadays is easier than ever.
Many rehabilitation partners and treatment centers offer convenience and discretion. You can simply talk to a recovery counselor, get diagnosed, be referred to a medical professional, and then receive the appropriate treatment well-suited to your lifestyle and personality.
There is even a wide variety when it comes to rehabilitation residences. Gender-based quarters allow people to have a safe space as they recover in the form of women's sober living houses.
To know more about how you can get help, contact us at Transcend Recovery Community and our Recovery Specialists would gladly assist you with the crucial first steps, or just attend to the queries you have in mind.
