Understanding Lexapro and How Long It Stays in Your System
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a commonly prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain which can help improve mood. A potential side effect when stopping Lexapro is a discontinuation syndrome with withdrawal-like symptoms. This makes carefully tapering important when wanting to flush Lexapro out of your system.
How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Your System?
Lexapro has a half-life of about 27-32 hours. This means that it takes around 5-6 half-lives or about 6 to 7 days for Lexapro to be mostly eliminated from your system after stopping it. However, its metabolites can remain for longer. Most sources suggest Lexapro can be detected in urine for up to two weeks after discontinuation.
Factors That Influence How Long Lexapro Stays in Your System
Several key factors determine the exact duration Lexapro remains detectable in plasma and urine drug tests:
- Age: Older individuals tend to have slower metabolisms so Lexapro lingers longer.
- Body fat percentage: Lexapro is more likely to accumulate in fatty tissues.
- Hydration status: Well hydrated individuals flush medications quicker.
- Urinary pH: More acidic urine keeps Lexapro metabolites in their active form.
- Dose and length used: Higher doses or long-term usage increases tissue accumulation.
- Liver/kidney function: Impairment hampers a person’s ability to break down and excrete Lexapro.
- Individual variation: Unique genetic differences can speed up or slow down processing.
Why Safely Tapering Off Is Important Before Flushing out Lexapro
Since Lexapro impacts serotonin levels, suddenly stopping can cause imbalances and uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms like:
- Brain zaps
- Irritability or anxiety
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia or vivid dreams
Tapering allows your body to slowly adjust to functioning without Lexapro. This minimizes the risk of withdrawal reactions so you can more safely flush out any residuals. Always talk to your doctor first before changing medication regimens.
Methods to Help Flush Lexapro Out of Your System
Once your taper is complete, you can help expedite the clearance process using a few research-backed natural methods. Combining multiple strategies can optimize flushing.
1. Exercise and Sweating
Engaging in regular aerobic and resistance exercises that generate sweating can help speed up the excretion process. Make sure to also properly rehydrate before, during, and after activity.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking extra fluids dilutes concentrations and supports kidney function for increased urination. Herbal teas, vegetable juices, broths, and electrolyte solutions help promote hydration.
3. Eat Cleansing Foods and Supplements
Certain herbs, foods, and nutrients can enhance detoxification pathways in the liver and kidneys while protecting tissues:
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Leafy greens
- Lemons/limes
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Probiotics
- Milk thistle
- Dandelion
- Cranberry juice
- Turmeric
- Vitamin B, C, and E
4. Support Your Liver and Kidneys
The natural detox organs that process medications can benefit from:
- Low mercury seafood
- Nuts and seeds
- Avocados
- Beets
- Green tea
- Getting good sleep
5. Activated Charcoal
This supplement can help trap toxins like drug metabolites and enhance their removal. Space out from medications by 2 hours and check with your doctor first.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Fast Way to Flush Out Lexapro?
There are no quick shortcuts when it comes to allowing your body to naturally process and clear out medications safely. Using the well-researched detoxification methods described can optimize and speed up elimination.
How Long Before Withdrawal Starts After Stopping Lexapro?
Most discontinuation symptoms kick in within a few days but can happen hours after a missed dose too. This demonstrates why gradually tapering is vital for managing withdrawals.
Can Lexapro Be Detected in Urine or Blood Tests?
Yes, Lexapro lingers long enough that urine tests can detect escitalopram metabolites for around 1-2 weeks after stopping. Blood tests can reveal presence for over 5-6 days before dropping lower than cutoff thresholds.
The Takeaway
Lexapro can remain in systems from around one week up to two weeks before becoming mostly undetectable. Supporting your body’s natural cleansing processes with hydration, diet, targeted supplements and healthy lifestyle habits allows you to optimize its exit safely. Always consult your doctor before making medication changes.
FAQs
How long does it take for Lexapro to leave your system?
It takes about 6-7 days for Lexapro to be mostly eliminated from your system due to its 27-32 hour half-life. However, metabolites can be detected in urine for up to 2 weeks after stopping Lexapro.
What helps flush Lexapro out faster?
Methods that can help flush out Lexapro faster include drinking extra fluids, eating cleansing foods, supporting liver and kidney function, activated charcoal supplements, exercising and sweating more.
Is tapering off Lexapro necessary?
Yes, slowly tapering off Lexapro over a number of weeks allows your brain and body to better adjust to functioning without it. This reduces the risk of discontinuation syndrome with withdrawal symptoms.
How long do Lexapro withdrawal symptoms last?
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps, anxiety, dizziness and flu-like symptoms typically start within days to hours of stopping. Gradually tapering Lexapro minimizes the intensity and duration.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment