If you are taking Lexapro and have been asked to take a drug test, you may be wondering if the medication will show up on the test. The answer is not a simple yes or no. Whether or not Lexapro will show up on a drug test depends on the type of test you are taking and the type of Lexapro you are taking. To help you better understand, here are some facts you need to know about Lexapro and drug tests.
Does Lexapro Show Up On A Drug Test?
Yes, Lexapro does show up on a drug test. It is a prescription medication that is classified as an antidepressant. The most common type of drug test is a urine test, and Lexapro will show up as an antidepressant in the results. A blood or hair test may also be used to detect the presence of Lexapro in the body.
How To Reduce The Likelihood Of Lexapro Showing Up On A Drug Test
Understand Why Drug Tests Are Conducted
Drug testing is most commonly used for employees in safety-sensitive positions, such as those in the transportation and construction industries. These types of jobs require above-average attention to detail and focus, and an employee under the influence of a substance that can impair these abilities may pose a serious risk to themselves and others. Beyond these industries, testing may also be conducted on an as-needed basis by an employer, or it may be required as part of a medical condition, such as a prescribed medication that requires regular or random testing. Drug tests may also be conducted as part of a court order or be required as a condition of probation or parole.
Be Aware Of The Different Types Of Drug Tests
The most common types of drug tests include urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests. Urine tests are the most common type of drug tests because they are easy to administer and can test for a wide range of substances. Blood tests tend to be used for on-the-spot testing or to test for alcohol, but can also be used for controlled substances. Saliva tests are not as common, but they can be used to test for controlled substances as well. Hair tests are typically used to determine if a person has used a controlled substance over a long period of time, but they can also be used to test for very recent use of a controlled substance. Regardless of the type of test, the main aim of any drug test is to determine if a person has recently used a substance that is illegal or that their employer has determined is unacceptable in the workplace.
Research The Drug’s Half-Life
The half-life of a drug refers to how long it takes the body to break down half of the drug. The half-life of Lexapro is around 9 hours, which means that it takes 9 hours for half of the drug to be broken down. After one day, half of that amount remains in the body, which means that after 2 days, only 25% of the drug remains in your body. While the half-life of Lexapro can vary from person to person, it can help you better understand how long it will take for the drug to leave your system. This information can be helpful when you’re trying to avoid a positive drug test.
Ask Your Doctor For Advice
If you’re prescribed Lexapro, you may be wondering if it will show up on a drug test. While the best way to know for sure is to ask the lab conducting the test, your doctor can help you understand how long the drug stays in your system. It’s also important to remember that it’s illegal to lie to your employer about taking medication. If you take this drug, be honest about it, but ask your doctor to help you understand the likelihood of Lexapro showing up on a drug test. For example, your doctor may recommend that you take a drug screening test to determine how long your prescribed medication stays in your system before you apply for a job. This way, you will know exactly when you should stop taking it, and you can be confident that your medication won’t show up on the results.
Avoid Taking Other Drugs
If another drug is detected on your drug test, the lab may choose to ignore the positive result for Lexapro. For example, if you take Adderall for attention deficit disorder, it may show up on your drug test, even though it’s not illegal. If this happens, the lab will likely choose to ignore the positive result for Adderall, and Lexapro will show up on the results. If you’re prescribed another drug, avoid taking it at the same time as Lexapro. For example, if you’re prescribed Adderall and Lexapro, avoid taking the two drugs at the same time. If a drug test is scheduled, avoid taking other drugs. Obviously, this may be difficult if you’re prescribed a drug, but try to avoid taking other drugs during the test window.
Take The Drug As Prescribed
Taking Lexapro as prescribed can help you avoid a positive drug test. If you take a drug for a medical condition and a drug test is scheduled, be sure to take the drug as prescribed. This can help you avoid a positive drug test. For example, let’s say you are prescribed Lexapro for anxiety. If a drug test is scheduled for a job you’re applying for, be sure to take the drug as prescribed. Don’t take extra amounts in an effort to pass the drug test, as this can result in a positive drug test for Lexapro.
Make Sure The Test Is For The Right Drug
While certain drugs take a certain amount of time to pass through the system, not all drugs are created equal. One drug may take a longer time to show up on the results than another drug. For example, if you’re prescribed Lexapro to treat anxiety, the lab may test the sample for the presence of several different drugs. If they test for antidepressants and the sample contains Lexapro, it will likely show up on the results. It’s important to make sure that the lab tests for the right drug. If you’re prescribed Lexapro for anxiety, ask the lab conducting the test to test for the presence of antidepressants to make sure they test for the correct drug.
Timing Is Key
If you know you’re going to be tested, it may make sense to stop taking Lexapro prior to the test. Stopping the drug a few days before the test can help you avoid a positive drug test. However, it’s important to understand how long it takes for Lexapro to leave your system. If you stop taking the drug a few days before the test, but it takes 7 days to leave your system, it can still show up on the results. For example, let’s say you’re scheduled for a drug test for a job you applied for and you know you will be tested for antidepressants. You decide to stop taking Lexapro a few days before the test. Unfortunately, it takes 7 days for the drug to leave your system. If the lab tests your sample for the presence of antidepressants, it will likely show up on the results.
Drink Plenty Of Water
While we can’t tell you exactly how to pass a drug test, we can tell you that drinking plenty of water can help your body flush out toxins. This can be helpful when trying to pass a drug test. While it may not help pass the test, it can help reduce the amount of the drug in your system. If you’re trying to pass a drug test, we recommend drinking 16-20 glasses of water per day. This can help flush toxins out of your system, and can make it more likely that Lexapro will show up on a drug test. When it comes to drug testing, it’s important to be aware of the potential for certain medications to show up on the results. If you’re prescribed Lexapro, there are some steps you can take to help reduce the chances that it will show up on a drug test. By understanding why drug tests are conducted, being aware of the different types of drug tests, researching the drug’s half-life, asking your doctor for advice, avoiding taking other drugs, taking the drug as prescribed, and timing is key, you can help reduce the likelihood that Lexapro will show up on a drug test.
Benefits Of Taking Lexapro
- Lexapro is a medication used to treat depression.
- Lexapro may help improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and reduce the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
- Lexapro is also prescribed to treat other conditions, such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
- Lexapro is available in tablet form and as a generic medication.
- Side effects of Lexapro may include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain or loss, sexual dysfunction, and nausea.
- It is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and potential side effects of Lexapro before taking it for any condition.
Potential Side Effects
- Lexapro may cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain or loss, sexual dysfunction, and nausea.
- It is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and potential side effects of Lexapro before taking it for any condition.
Conclusion
Lexapro is an SSRI that can be used to treat depression and anxiety. While it can be effective, it can also show up on drug tests if you are taking a urine test. The best way to avoid problems with a drug test while taking Lexapro is to drink lots of water and take a lower dose of the medication if you know you will be taking a drug test. If you have questions about how Lexapro will affect a drug test or if you need help preparing for a drug test, it is best to speak with your doctor.
