I'd want to know more about the addiction. Is it actually an addiction, with cravings, or just a biological dependence that requires care when weaning oneself off the drug? Also, is there any habituation/tolerance (ie. do you need to take more and more of it to achieve the same effect?)
If it is *solely* a matter of biological dependence and difficulty in easing off it, then I think I'd be ok with being on it routinely. Maybe not every damn day, but I'd think about something like every second day for a couple of weeks (to deal with sleep deficit and get back in better sleep habits) and maybe every third day after that.
I have no idea if that is sensible.
If there are cravings, or a problem with tolerance, then I'd want to be very sparing with it.
I do think it's a good idea to make one psychoactive change at a time. Remember it's a very good idea to taper the SAMe and 5-HTP before starting the SSRI, so realistically you're waiting at least one week before trying the Celexa anyway.
Also, most SSRIs are known for disturbing sleep, which is why they're almost always suggested as a morning dose. It would be useful to be stable on the Ativan before starting the Celexa, so you'd be better able to notice any sleep-related Celexa side effects. Starting one drug at a time makes it easier to detect all side effects, really.
And yes. Sleep alone is really critical to good mental health. Remember having fewer than 8 hours of sleep 3 days in a row is worth a huge -15 on IQ tests!! (So imagine how smart you'll be soon! 8-) )
no subject
If it is *solely* a matter of biological dependence and difficulty in easing off it, then I think I'd be ok with being on it routinely. Maybe not every damn day, but I'd think about something like every second day for a couple of weeks (to deal with sleep deficit and get back in better sleep habits) and maybe every third day after that.
I have no idea if that is sensible.
If there are cravings, or a problem with tolerance, then I'd want to be very sparing with it.
I do think it's a good idea to make one psychoactive change at a time. Remember it's a very good idea to taper the SAMe and 5-HTP before starting the SSRI, so realistically you're waiting at least one week before trying the Celexa anyway.
Also, most SSRIs are known for disturbing sleep, which is why they're almost always suggested as a morning dose. It would be useful to be stable on the Ativan before starting the Celexa, so you'd be better able to notice any sleep-related Celexa side effects. Starting one drug at a time makes it easier to detect all side effects, really.
And yes. Sleep alone is really critical to good mental health. Remember having fewer than 8 hours of sleep 3 days in a row is worth a huge -15 on IQ tests!! (So imagine how smart you'll be soon! 8-) )