How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Your System?

Updated April 22, 2026

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Your System?

Updated April 22, 2026

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

Our Addiction Programs

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant that’s used for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a type of antidepressant medications commonly prescribed for various mental health conditions. The medication typically stays in your system for six days, although many variables can influence this timeline.

This guide explores how long does Lexapro stay in your system in detail and shows you how to connect with compassionate and effective addiction treatment [1].

Where You’d Be Staying

We strive to provide a comfortable, home-like environment during your recovery journey. Browse our facility images below to take a look at our upscale residential facilities.

Tour Our Facilities

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a medicine that doctors prescribe to help with mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)[2]. These drugs work by boosting the level of serotonin in your brain, which helps improve your mood. By increasing serotonin levels, Lexapro helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lexapro can help with symptoms like:

Feeling very sad for a long time
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Worrying a lot
Feeling very nervous

Lexapro usually comes as a pill that you take by mouth. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how much to take and when to take it. Lexapro can be effective for managing depression and anxiety when taken properly under a doctor’s care.

Is Escitalopram the Same as Lexapro?

Escitalopram is the generic version of the branded medication Lexapro. It contains the same ingredients and is used to treat the same conditions.

How Lexapro Interacts with Your Body & Brain

Lexapro helps you feel better by working on your brain and body. Here’s a closer look at how it does this:

How Lexapro Works in the Brain

Lexapro increases serotonin levels [3]. Serotonin is a natural chemical in your brain that helps control mood. Because Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it works by balancing out the levels of serotonin in the brain and the nerves, making mood swings less intense and helping you feel more even-tempered. When serotonin levels are higher, you tend to feel happier and calmer.

How Lexapro Works in the Body

Lexapro can help you sleep better by reducing anxiety and calming your mind. A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling good and staying healthy. Lexapro helps calm your body by reducing physical symptoms of anxiety like a racing heart or sweaty palms. This makes you feel more relaxed in stressful situations. By lifting your mood, Lexapro helps you feel less sad and more interested in activities you used to enjoy. This can make daily life feel more manageable and enjoyable.

Controlled Substance Classification

Lexapro is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration), meaning it does not have a high potential for abuse and addiction. However, it is only available with a prescription in the U.S. Lexapro is generally considered safe and effective for most people when taken as prescribed.

Common Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is a helpful medication that doctors prescribe for several reasons. Here are some common uses of Lexapro:

Depression

Lexapro is often used to treat depression [4]. It helps improve mood, making you feel happier and more interested in daily activities.

Major Depressive Disorder

Escitalopram is commonly used to manage major depressive disorder. It effectively improves mood and reduces symptoms, while being well-tolerated and helping prevent depression from returning [5].

Anxiety Disorders

Lexapro can help people who have anxiety disorders [6]. It reduces feelings of worry and helps calm the mind. It can help with the following conditions:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

Lexapro is used to treat GAD, a condition where people feel very worried or anxious about many things. It helps reduce this constant anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder:

Lexapro can also help when people feel very nervous or scared in social situations. It helps make social interactions easier.

Panic Disorder:

People with panic disorder have sudden attacks of intense fear. Lexapro can help reduce the number of these panic attacks.

Lexapro Half-Life: How Long Does Lexapro Last?

The half-life of Lexapro [7] is about 27 to 32 hours. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your body. This means it takes about one to two days for half of a dose of Lexapro to be removed from your system. It takes five half-lives for all of the medication to be eliminated.

How Long Does Lexapro Stay in Your System?

Lexapro generally stays in your system for about six days. If you have questions like “how long does 5mg of Lexapro stay in your system” or “how long does 10mg of Lexapro stay in your system”, various factors influence this. Individual metabolism and genetics can cause variations in the clearance times of Lexapro. Other factors include:

Age: Older adults may take longer to process the medication.

Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms will eliminate the drug quicker.

Dosage: Higher doses may stay in the system longer.

Health: Your liver and kidney health can impact how long Lexapro stays in the body. Impaired liver function can significantly prolong the time it takes to eliminate Lexapro, potentially up to two weeks. Impaired kidney function can also delay the elimination process of Lexapro.

Lexapro can linger in certain tissues or organs longer than in the bloodstream, but it is generally metabolized and excreted within a week.

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, particularly liver or kidney disease, seizures, low sodium levels, gastrointestinal bleeding, glaucoma, or a history of bipolar disorder or mania.

It might take one to two weeks to start feeling better when you first begin taking Lexapro. And it can take up to six to eight weeks to feel the full benefits of the medication.

If your Lexapro treatment is working, you may notice improvements in your mood. For instance, you may have an increased ability to focus and concentrate as well as improved energy. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and continue taking Lexapro even if you don’t feel better right away. If you have questions or concerns about how long Lexapro stays in your system, talk to your doctor.

Drug Tests

Lexapro can be detected in blood tests for 1-2 days, in urine tests for generally 2-7 days, in saliva tests for 1-3 days, and in hair tests for up to 90 days. For most people, Lexapro will be completely out of the system within two weeks of stopping treatment.

Lexapro Dosages

Taking the right amount of Lexapro is very important. Your doctor will tell you how much to take. Here are some common dosages for Lexapro:

Starting Dose

For adults, the usual starting dose is 10mg once daily. Your doctor might increase this after a while if needed.

Higher Dose

Sometimes, doctors may increase the dose to 20mg a day if the starting dose is not enough to help with your symptoms.

Dosage for Kids and Teens

For kids aged 12 to 17, the starting dose is usually 10mg once daily. Your doctor will decide if a higher dose is needed.

Dosage for Seniors

Older adults might start with a lower dose, like 5mg a day, to make sure their bodies handle the medication well.

How to Take Lexapro

Pick a time that works best for you, like in the morning or evening, and take your medicine at the same time every day. You can take Lexapro with food or on an empty stomach. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with a meal. Take the pill with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it. Always take the amount your doctor tells you. Never stop using Lexapro without talking to your doctor. They will help you reduce the dose slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms [8]. Discontinuing treatment abruptly can lead to antidepressant withdrawal, which may cause common symptoms such as dizziness, mood changes, and flu-like sensations.

How to Store & Dispose of Lexapro

When storing Lexapro:

Keep it cool: Store Lexapro at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Don’t keep it in the bathroom, where it can get damp.

Safe spot: Put the medication in a place where children and pets cannot reach it. A locked cabinet is best.

Original container: Always keep Lexapro in its original container with the label so you can easily identify it.

When disposing of Lexapro:

Follow instructions: Check the medication label or ask your pharmacist for specific disposal instructions.

Take-back programs: Many places have take-back programs or events where you can safely return unused medications.

Do not flush: Unless the label specifically says it’s okay, do not flush Lexapro down the toilet.

Trash method: If you must throw it away, mix the medication with something unpleasant, like used coffee grounds or cat litter. Then, place it in a sealed bag before putting it in the trash.

Risks of Taking Lexapro

While Lexapro can help with depression and anxiety, it comes with certain risks. It’s important to understand these risks and discuss them with your doctor.

Increased suicidal thoughts: Some people, especially young adults and teenagers, might have increased thoughts of suicide when they first start taking Lexapro. Always report any unusual mood changes to your doctor.
Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people might have allergic reactions to Lexapro. Signs include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek medical help right away if these occur.
Serotonin syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that can happen if Lexapro is taken with other medications that increase serotonin. Symptoms include hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe nausea, and muscle twitching.
Compulsive behaviors: Lexapro and other SSRIs may rarely cause compulsive behaviors, such as new or increased urges to gamble, shop, eat, or engage in other repetitive activities. Patients should report these behaviors to their healthcare provider.

If you experience any of these severe effects of Lexapro use, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

We Accept Most Major Insurance

View our wide selection of accepted providers.
Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

View our wide selection of accepted providers. Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

Struggling with addiction? We can help.

Our insurance-covered rehab offers premier treatment for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, & mental health disorders. Call our friendly team today to get started.

Call Now

Short-Term Side Effects of Escitalopram (Lexapro)

When you start taking Lexapro, your body may need time to adjust. During this period, you might experience flu-like symptoms and other side effects:

Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach is common, but usually gets better as your body adjusts.

Tiredness: You might feel more tired than usual.

Sleep disturbances: Some people have trouble sleeping or feel very sleepy during the day.

Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded can happen, especially when you stand up quickly.

Dry mouth: Your mouth might feel dry. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can help.
Excessive sweating: You might sweat more than usual when using escitalopram, particularly during sleep or activity.

These side effects often lessen after a few weeks. If they don’t go away or become severe, contact your doctor immediately.

Long-Term Side Effects of Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Taking Lexapro for a long time can lead to other side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor:

Weight gain: Some people may gain weight over time.

Sexual dysfunction: Issues like decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm can occur.

Mood changes: Rarely, people might experience new or worsening mood changes.

Restlessness: A feeling of being unable to sit still, known as akathisia, can occur in some cases.

Your doctor can help manage these side effects, possibly by adjusting your dose or suggesting lifestyle changes.

Tapering off Lexapro

Tapering off antidepressants can be difficult and may bring up complex emotions, so support from family and friends can be beneficial. Lexapro is typically cleared from the body within 5 to 6 days after discontinuation.

It’s generally recommended to taper off Lexapro gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth transition. Maintaining a healthy diet, along with regular exercise and stress management, can also support your well-being while tapering off Lexapro.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Lexapro

More than half of the people who take SSRIs and quit experience withdrawal symptoms. Stopping Lexapro suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. To avoid these, your doctor will help you taper off the medication slowly. Possible withdrawal symptoms include:

Dizziness: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded.

Headaches: Pain in your head that can vary from mild to severe.

Mood changes: Feeling very sad, anxious, or irritable.

Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Flu-like symptoms: Feeling achy, tired, or experiencing chills.

Withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro can occur days after stopping the medication and may last for weeks.

Lexapro withdrawal can potentially lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. However, Lexapro causes milder discontinuation symptoms compared to some other antidepressants. Always taper off gradually under medical supervision to minimize these effects.

For those who are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, feelings of anxiety and depression could relapse as a part of the Lexapro withdrawal side effects.

It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider and seek professional medical advice when stopping Lexapro to minimize these symptoms.

How Lexapro Interacts with Alcohol & Other Pills

Be careful about what you consume when taking Lexapro:

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while on Lexapro can increase drowsiness and dizziness. It can also worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. It’s best to avoid alcohol.

Other medications: Lexapro can interact with other drugs, which can be dangerous. Always tell your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

Blood thinners: When Lexapro and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, or blood thinners like warfarin, are taken together, the drug interactions can increase the risk of bleeding (especially gastrointestinal bleeding) because these medications interfere with platelet function and blood clotting.

Other antidepressants: Combining Lexapro with other antidepressant medications or medications that affect serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious condition.

Addiction Risk Factors

While Lexapro is not addictive in the same way as drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, there are still important considerations:

Dependence: Your body can become dependent on Lexapro. If you stop taking it suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

Tolerance: Over time, your body might get used to Lexapro, and it may not work as well. This is why it’s important to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions and discuss any changes in how you feel.

Misuse: Taking Lexapro in higher doses than prescribed or using it without a prescription is dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.

Always use Lexapro as directed by your doctor to reduce these risks and ensure it helps you effectively manage your symptoms.

Lexapro & Anti-Depressants | FAQs

What are Some Side Effects of Lexapro?

Some side effects of Lexapro include nausea, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. You might also feel dizzy or have a dry mouth. If side effects bother you, talk to your doctor.

Can I Get Addicted to Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are not addictive like some drugs, but your body can get used to them. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

What If My Lexapro Stops Working?

If Lexapro stops working, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose or try a different medication. Do not stop taking it without asking your doctor first.

How Can I Safely Stop Using Lexapro?

To safely stop using Lexapro, your doctor will help you slowly lower the dose. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms. Never stop suddenly on your own.

Get Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you need help addressing prescription drug abuse and mental health issues, reach out to Gratitude Lodge. We have welcoming rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA, offering comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment.

Begin your recovery with medical detox at one of our luxury treatment centers by the beach. Access medications and 24/7 care provided by licensed medical professionals to make withdrawal safer and easier. After about a week of detox, you can move into an ongoing inpatient treatment program.

All addictions and mental health issues are unique, so all our treatment programs offer personalized therapies to reflect this, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment tailored to your needs. Treatments include: