Celexa Dosage Information: Form, Potencies, Administration Methods, and Further Details

Celexa Details

Celexa Dosage Information: Forms, Potencies, Administration Methods, and More Details

Celexa is a brand name medication, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for adults to handle major depressive disorder. This condition is also known as melancholy.

Celexa is offered in oral tablet type. It is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celera is the brand name medication. It is also accessible in a generic version called citalopram.

For more details about Celexa's dosage, including its strengths and intake methods, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Celexa, check out this article.

This article includes typical dosages for Celexa, as provided by the drug's manufacturer. When taking Celexa, always stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Celexa Dosage

Read below for suggested dosages of Celexa for major depressive disorder in adults. This condition is also known as melancholy.

Celexa Form

Celexa is available in oral tablet form. It is taken orally.

Celexa Strengths

Celexa is available in three strengths:

10 milligrams (mg)
20 mg
40 mg

Typical Dosages

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage of Celexa. Then they'll adjust it over time to reach the ideal amount. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Depression

For depression, the typical starting dosage of Celexa in adults is 20 mg taken once per day.

Your doctor will monitor you to assess how well the drug is reducing your symptoms. They may change your dosage if needed.

The typical dosage range for Celexa in adults is 20 mg to 40 mg taken once per day. The maximum dosage of Celexa is 40 mg per day. However, always take the dosage prescribed by your doctor. There isn’t an "average dose" of the drug.

Long-term Treatment

Celexa is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Celexa is safe and effective for you, you'll likely take it long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Celexa and their answers.

What’s the maximum dose of Celexa?

The maximum recommended dosage of Celexa for depression is 40 milligrams (mg) taken once per day. A 40-mg tablet is the highest dose strength of Celexa that's available.

To learn more about typical recommended dosages of this drug, see the “Celexa dosage” section above.

Is Celexa used for anxiety? If so, what is the Celexa dosage for anxiety?

Celexa isn’t approved to treat anxiety. Instead, it’s approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This condition is also referred to as depression.

That said, some doctors may prescribe Celexa off-label for anxiety. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

If you are interested in taking Celexa for anxiety, talk with your doctor. They can recommend appropriate treatment options for this condition.

Is there a 5-mg or 60-mg dose of Celexa?

No, 5-milligram (mg) and 60-mg strengths of Celexa aren’t available. These aren’t recommended doses of the drug, either.

Celexa does come as a 10-mg tablet, but the tablet should not be split. So, Celexa's lowest available dose strength is 10 mg.

A 60-mg dose of the drug is not recommended. The maximum recommended dosage of Celexa for depression is 40 mg taken once daily. Taking more than 40 mg of Celexa may increase your risk of side effects, including heart-related ones such as dizziness and palpitations.

In some situations, 60-mg Celexa doses have been used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, treating OCD is an off-label use for Celexa. (Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.)

Never take a higher dose of Celexa than your doctor prescribes, as this can increase your risk of side effects. Be sure to take this drug as your doctor recommends.

Factors that can affect your dosage

The Celexa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

the severity of the condition you’re using Celexa to treat
your age

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Celexa dosage.

Dosage adjustments

If you have liver problems or are older than 60 years of age, your doctor may lower your dosage of Celexa.

In this case, the maximum daily dose of Celexa is 20 milligrams (mg) once daily. This is unlike the usual maximum recommended dosage of Celexa for depression, which is 40 mg once daily.

Taking the drug at a consistent time each day is ideal, keeping the drug levels steady in your body for optimal effectiveness. If you struggle with swallowing pills, check out this guide for assistance or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Facing print issues with your prescription label? Reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer alternatives with larger print, braille, or smartphone scanning technology. If your pharmacy doesn't, they may suggest a pharmacy that does.

Opening medication bottles proving difficult? Consult your pharmacist about using easy-open containers or tools supporting bottle opening.

Skipped Dose

Missing a Celexa dose? Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next dose. In that case, stick to your usual schedule.

Staying on track with your medication might be helped by using a reminder tool. Whether it's an alarm, timer, or smartphone app, having reminders might be beneficial.

Celexa and Overdose

Exceeding the prescribed Celexa dosage can induce severe side effects. It's crucial to adhere to your doctor's prescribed dosage.

Overdose Symptoms

Overdose symptoms of Celexa include:

perspiration
confusion
dizziness
sleepiness
tachycardia (quick heartbeat) or various heart rhythm changes
seizures
blood pressure alterations

If you overdose on Celexa

Immediately contact your doctor if you think you've consumed more Celexa than prescribed. Alternatively, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. In case of severe symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room directly.

Celexa and withdrawal and dependency

Stopping Celexa abruptly may result in side effects. In fact, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, lasting from days to weeks.

Withdrawal side effects emerge when you abruptly stop using a drug your body has become dependent on. Dependency suggests your body relies on the drug for normal functioning.

Withdrawal symptoms of Celexa may include:

headache
insomnia
dizziness
restlessness
irritability
low mood or other mood changes
anxiety
exhaustion
electric shock-like sensations

If you must stop taking Celexa, your doctor will guide you in gradually decreasing your dosage, preventing withdrawal symptoms.

It's important not to abruptly stop taking this medication or change your dosage without your doctor's approval.

Conclusion and helpful resources

The dosages provided in this article are typical dosages from the drug manufacturer. If your doctor advises using Celexa, they will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you. Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Never alter your Celexa dosage without your doctor's recommendation. If you have questions regarding the Celexa dosage that suits you best, discuss it with your doctor.

Besides dosage information, you might find the following articles helpful:

More on Celexa. To discover additional information about Celexa, check out this article.
Side effects. To learn about Celexa's side effects, see this article. Examine Celexa's prescribing information as well.
Comparison. If you'd like to know how Celexa compares to Lexapro, see this article. For details on Celexa and Zoloft comparisons, see this article.
Interactions. For information on substances that interact with Celexa, see this article.
Depression insights. Learn about depression, which Celexa addresses, from our depression hub and mental health hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The medication information presented here is subject to change and is not meant to cover all potential uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Celexa, being an antidepressant, is not typically used to treat anxiety, although some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this purpose. (from the "Frequently Asked Questions" section)

Exceeding the prescribed Celexa dosage can lead to severe side effects such as tachycardia (quick heartbeat) and seizures. (from the "Celexa and Overdose" section)