Celexa Dosage for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication for adults. It comes in many dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and an oral solution.
The typical Celexa dosage for adults starts at 20 mg by mouth once daily. After at least a week, your healthcare provider may raise your dose to 40 mg once daily. But if you’re over the age of 60 years or have liver problems, doses over 20 mg per day aren’t recommended.
Celexa is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s only approved to treat depression, but Celexa is also prescribed off-label for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here, we’ll review the approved Celexa dosage for adults (it isn’t currently approved for children). Keep in mind that off-label uses don’t have FDA-approved dosages. So it’s possible that your Celexa dosage may be different than what’s listed here. In this case, it’s best to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking Celexa.
What dosage forms of Celexa are available?
Celexa comes in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets. It also comes as a 30 mg capsule and an oral solution that contains 10 mg of citalopram per 5 mL.
You’ll usually take Celexa once a day. It doesn’t matter what time of day you take it, but you should try to be consistent. You can take all forms of Celexa with or without food. But if you experience nausea, a common Celexa side effect, taking it with food may help.
The 30 mg capsules aren’t meant for people who are new to taking Celexa. It’s recommended to start with a lower dose before switching to the capsule.
What’s the typical Celexa dosage for adults?
The approved Celexa dosage when you first start taking it is 20 mg by mouth once daily. After at least 1 week, your healthcare provider may raise your dose to 40 mg per day.
For some people, it may be better to raise the dose by just 10 mg at a time. This may help those more sensitive to side effects adjust to the medication easier. Your healthcare provider will help figure out the best way to adjust your Celexa dosage based on your response.
The maximum recommended Celexa dosage is 40 mg once daily. And it’s best to wait at least 1 week between each change in dosage to give your body time to adjust.
Keep in mind that it may take several weeks before you start noticing a change in your symptoms. But if you have concerns about your Celexa dosage at any time, reach out to your healthcare provider. You shouldn’t change your dosage or stop taking Celexa on your own.
Are there any dosage adjustments for certain people?
You may need a different dosage of Celexa depending on your age or other health conditions. Be sure your healthcare provider knows your medical history so they can help you to find the best dosage for your needs.
Dosage for people over 60 years of age
If you’re over the age of 60 years, it’s not recommended to take more than 20 mg of Celexa per day.
Dosage for people with liver problems
If you have liver problems, it may be harder for your body to process Celexa. This can cause higher levels of Celexa. So you may not be able to take more than 20 mg daily. Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of liver problems. They’ll be able to find out if you need a lower Celexa dosage.
Dosage for interacting medications
Certain medications can interact with Celexa and raise its levels in your body. It’s not recommended to take more than 20 mg of Celexa per day if you’re taking medications such as:
Fluconazole (Diflucan) and other antifungal medications
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), an H2 blocker used to treat heartburn
Clopidogrel (Plavix), a blood thinner medication
This isn’t a complete list of interacting medications that may need a lower dose of Celexa. Keep an updated medication list, and show it to your healthcare provider. They can use it to help determine the right Celexa dosage for your needs.
What happens if you miss a dose of Celexa?
Everyone forgets to take their medication on occasion. If you forget one dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next regular dose. Don’t take 2 doses at the same time.
Missing several doses in a row or stopping Celexa suddenly could cause withdrawal syndrome. While withdrawal syndrome isn’t usually dangerous, it can cause flu-like symptoms, headache, and dizziness. It can also cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms will usually go away after a couple of weeks or once you start taking Celexa again.
In rare cases, Celexa withdrawal may make you feel confused or cause extreme changes to your mental health. These symptoms need medical attention right away.
If you’re having trouble remembering to take Celexa every day, there are tools to help. Medication reminder apps and pill organizers are common examples.
What should you do if you take too much Celexa?
If you accidentally take an extra dose of Celexa, it’s not likely to cause serious problems. You may have more side effects, like nausea or drowsiness.
But taking large doses of Celexa can cause dangerous side effects, like seizures. It can also cause serotonin syndrome, a possibly serious condition caused by too much serotonin in your brain. Too much Celexa can also cause a dangerous heart condition called long QT syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated right away.
If you or a loved one takes too much Celexa, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider right away or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. But if you develop a fever, experience a seizure, or notice a change in your heartbeat, get emergency care right away.
How to save on Celexa
Celexa is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Celexa’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $5.66 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Celexa is an SSRI approved to treat depression in adults. The recommended Celexa dosage is 20 mg once a day to start. After at least 1 week, your healthcare provider may raise your dose to up to 40 mg per day based on your response. But if you’re over the age of 60 or have a history of liver damage, doses over 20 mg per day aren’t recommended.
Why trust our experts?
References
Almatica Pharma LLC. (2022). Citalopram [package insert].
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2023). Citalopram hydrobromide [package insert].
Chartwell RX, LLC. (2022). Citalopram [package insert].
Jimmink, A., et al. (2008). Clinical toxicology of citalopram after acute intoxication with the sole drug or in combination with other drugs: Overview of 26 cases. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.
Shoar, N. S., et al. (2021). Citalopram. StatPearls.
Was this page helpful?
Related Articles
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.