Can Celexa be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder? (3 research findings)

This article will discuss the use of Celexa (Citalopram) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We will also share related research findings, dosage recommendations of Celexa for OCD, and side effects. We will also discuss what medications are approved by the FDA for the treatment of OCD if Citalopram fails to provide relief.

Can Celexa be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) can be used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Celexa has shown its effectiveness in treating OCD.

However, it’s important to note that Celexa is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OCD treatment. It is, however, approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in adults.

Celexa can also be used in combination with other medications like Clomipramine in OCD treatment (1,2).

What does research suggest?

Research studies show a promising link between Celexa and OCD. In a clinical trial, few patients were examined for the efficacy of Celexa when treated for OCD. Most of the patients showed positive results on higher doses of Celexa(5).

In another case study, patients were checked for their response to Celexa (Citalopram) in combination with Anafranil (Clomipramine) in resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The study suggested that many patients had significant improvement in their OCD symptoms when treated with Celexa and Anafranil combination(6).

OCD has been listed among the top ten most disabling conditions by the FDA. It is characterized by unwanted thoughts, leading patients to take specific actions to reduce such thoughts.

Patients may develop various fears including fear of harm from others, involving them to repeatedly check and engage in similar behaviours. Such behaviours can significantly affect a patient’s life(3).

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proven effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Citalopram, as a well-tolerated antidepressant, works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Hence, this mechanism of action of Citalopram suggests that it can be effective in the treatment of OCD, along with its lower risk of side effects and fewer drug interactions(4).

Dosage recommendations of Celexa for OCD

For adults aged 18-65, the starting dose of Citalopram is 20mg with a maximum recommended daily dose of 40mg. Your doctor may prescribe this dosage if you do not have any other underlying health conditions like liver or kidney disease.

However, for adults over 65 years and those with liver disease, the starting dose is 10mg, with a maximum dosage of 20mg. Patients below 18 years of age should not use Citalopram for anxiety and depression due to safety concerns.

Please do not take Citalopram without your doctor’s approval.

Previously, Celexa was used in higher doses of up to 60mg to treat OCD patients. However, in 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against the use of Celexa in higher doses due to the risk of changing ECG patterns.

Due to this warning, doctors may also consider prescribing Escitalopram, which has the same drug profile as Celexa but it does not have such warnings(7). ECG monitoring should be regularly done if Celexa is used in higher doses for longer periods.

What are the side effects of Celexa when used for OCD?

Common side effects that may occur when using Celex to treat OCD include:

• Gain or loss of appetite
• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Reduced sex desire
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia

Not everyone may experience these side effects; but if they do occur, you should inform your healthcare provider.

What to do if Celexa does not help your OCD?

If Celexa is not helping you treat your OCD, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Celexa is not the first line of treatment for OCD; there are some other medicines which are approved by the FDA.

Your doctor will determine the best medicine for you after considering personalized factors such as your age, symptoms of OCD, and how you respond to a particular medication.

What medications are approved by the FDA for treating OCD?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medicines for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

• Paroxetine (Paxil) – for adults only
• Sertraline (Zoloft) – for adults and children aged 6 years and above
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) – for adults and children aged 7 years and above
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox) – for adults and children aged 8 years and above
• Clomipramine (Anafranil) – for adults and children aged 10 years and above

It is important to consider that not all FDA-approved medications for OCD treatment may be suitable for you due to variations in physiological responses.

Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on your specific needs, symptoms and response.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the use of Celexa in the treatment of OCD. While Celexa is not approved by the FDA for OCD treatment, its effectiveness as an SSRI has been supported by several research studies.

Celexa is generally well-tolerated by many patients with low risk of side effects, hence your doctor may prescribe you for the treatment of OCD for longer periods.

References