FDA Warns of Heart Risks with High Doses of Celexa

WASHINGTON (AP) — Physicians have been cautioned by the FDA against prescribing high doses of Celexa because antidepressant use can cause the risk of fatal heart complications.

In an online posting, the FDA stated that above the doses of 40 milligrams the drug could obstruct the electrical activity of the heart.

Although the Celexa label previously documented that 60 milligrams must be administered to certain patients, the FDA has scrapped that label. The agency has noted, “Studies did not show a benefit in treatment of depression at doses higher than 40 mg per day.”

According to the new label, Celexa administration should be restricted in patients with congestive heart failure and other heart conditions.

Celexa is marketed in doses of 10, 20, and 40 milligrams by drugmaker Forest Laboratories.