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What Is Celexa?

Celexa is a prescription antidepressant containing citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is approved for major depressive disorder in adults. Tablets come in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. Treatment is taken once daily, with dose selection based on response, age, liver function, metabolism, and interacting medicines.

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What Is Celexa?

Celexa is a prescription antidepressant containing citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is approved for major depressive disorder in adults. Tablets come in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. Treatment is taken once daily, with dose selection based on response, age, liver function, metabolism, and interacting medicines.

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How Does Celexa Affect Serotonin Signaling?

The exact antidepressant mechanism of citalopram is unclear. Its activity is presumed to involve inhibition of neuronal serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system, which increases serotonergic activity. Citalopram has minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake compared with its effect on serotonin.

Who Is Treated With Celexa?

Celexa is approved for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Current citalopram labeling does not approve pediatric use. Before treatment, patients are screened for personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania due the risk of mood switching during antidepressant therapy.

How Are Celexa Tablets Dosed?

The recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily with or without food. The dose can increase after at least one week to a maximum of 40 mg once daily. Adults older than 60, patients with liver impairment, and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers have a recommended maximum of 20 mg once daily.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Celexa?

Celexa carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Other serious risks include dose-related QT prolongation, torsade de pointes, serotonin syndrome, bleeding, mania or hypomania, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, low sodium, and withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celexa

Is Celexa an SSRI?

Yes. Celexa contains citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

How often is Celexa taken?

Celexa is taken once daily with or without food.

What is the highest recommended Celexa dose?

The general adult maximum is 40 mg once daily, while selected patients have a 20 mg daily maximum.

Can Celexa affect heart rhythm?

Yes. Citalopram can prolong the QT interval and has been linked to torsade de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias.

References

CELEXA (citalopram) Medication Guide. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

CELEXA (citalopram) Prescribing Information. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/celexa_pi.pdf. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Citalopram. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Citalopram. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - CELEXA (citalopram) tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.