Is Reducing The Dosage Of Celexa Advisable?

Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What should I look for when I should reduce my dose of Celexa? I am on 30 MG. I would like to reduce my dosage.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dose should be reduced gradually.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Celexa is a SSRI drug and if you are taking the drug regularly then dose reduction should be gradual. You are on 30 mg dose. Dose should be reduced by about 20-30% every 2nd week and at the end of 6-8 weeks can be stopped completely. You can reduced the dose to 20 mg for 2 weeks and then about 10 mg for next 2 weeks followed by 10 mg on alternate days for 2 weeks and then completely stopping the drug. This is what i follow in my patients.

You can talk with your doctor for that.

Thanks, take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)

Thank you for this schedule. How do I know if I am taking too much and can reduce the dose?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If your symptoms are better then you can think of reducing the dose.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking again

It depends upon your symptoms. If you are doing well and are relatively symptoms free for about 6 months then you can think of reducing the doses. If your symptoms are persistent then its not wise to reduce the dose. Better to consult your doctor for re-evaluation in such case.

Thanks, Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (13 minutes later)

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks and Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar