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
Luvox
Celexa vs. Luvox Dosage
Celexa
Luvox
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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.