Celexa vs. Luvox

See how Celexa and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Celexa is FDA-approved for depression in adults, while Luvox is FDA-approved for OCD in both adults and children ages 8 to 17.

  • Celexa uses a simple two-step dose (20 mg, then 40 mg once daily), while Luvox often requires higher, divided daily doses up to 300 mg for OCD.

  • Both carry a boxed warning for increased suicidal thinking in young people, and both interact seriously with MAOIs and other serotonergic drugs.

Celexa vs. Luvox Drug Summary

Celexa

Celexa (citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in adults. It's taken once daily as a tablet or oral solution, starting at 20 mg and typically increasing to 40 mg after one week.

Luvox

Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an SSRI FDA-approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and in children ages 8 to 17. It's taken once or twice daily as a tablet, starting around 50 mg and often titrated up to 100-300 mg per day in divided doses.

Celexa vs. Luvox Side Effects

Celexa

Most common
nausea (up to 21%)
somnolence (up to 18%)
insomnia (up to 15%)
dry mouth (up to 20%)

Luvox

Most common
nausea (up to 40%)
somnolence (up to 27%)
insomnia (up to 35%)
headache (up to 35%)

Celexa vs. Luvox Dosage

Celexa

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 20 mg once daily Week 1
Maximum dose 40 mg once daily Week 2 onward
Dose changes 1 increase Every week

Luvox

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 300 mg/day If needed
Dose changes 4 increases As tolerated

Celexa vs. Luvox Indications

Celexa

Celexa is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It's also commonly prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and OCD, though it's not officially approved for those uses.

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

  • Off-label: generalized anxiety disorder

  • Off-label: panic disorder

  • Off-label: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Luvox

Luvox is FDA-approved to treat OCD in adults and in children and adolescents ages 8 to 17. It's also used off-label for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults

  • OCD in children and adolescents ages 8-17

  • Off-label: major depressive disorder

  • Off-label: social anxiety disorder

Celexa vs. Luvox Pros and Cons

Celexa

Celexa has a long track record as one of the most widely prescribed SSRIs for depression, with a simple once-daily dosing schedule. Its dose is capped at 40 mg due to a dose-related risk of QT prolongation, and lower doses are required in older adults or slow metabolizers.

Pros

  • Simple two-step dosing reaches maintenance dose in one week

  • FDA-approved specifically for major depressive disorder

  • Long-established safety record as one of the most-prescribed SSRIs

Cons

  • Not FDA-approved for OCD, anxiety, or panic disorder

  • Maximum dose capped at 40 mg/day due to QT prolongation risk

  • Lower max dose required in patients over 60 or poor metabolizers

  • Carries a dose-dependent cardiac warning Luvox does not have

Luvox

Luvox is the only SSRI on this comparison approved for pediatric use, specifically for OCD in children as young as 8. It requires a more involved titration schedule and carries a well-known risk of drug interactions through its effect on liver enzymes.

Pros

  • FDA-approved for OCD in both adults and children ages 8-17

  • Dosing can be pushed higher (up to 300 mg/day) for severe OCD

  • Only generic fluvoxamine is sold, which can simplify pharmacy pricing

Cons

  • Multi-step titration with divided daily doses is more complex

  • Strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, interacting with caffeine and theophylline

  • Not FDA-approved for depression despite common off-label use

  • Higher reported rates of nausea, headache, and insomnia in trials

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.