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Is Stalopam Safe For Treatment Of Disturbed Sleep?

Posted on Wed, 29 Jan 2014

Question: Hello . since last one week I had symptoms like, disturbed sleep, nuesea, cold feet and hands (sometimes sweating) very occasional numbness in my left arm (like for 10 seconds) when I wake up from the sleep, uncomfortable breathing occasinally, and when I sleep or sometimes when I am awake it feels like there are some kinds of waves passing from stomach or brain/ heart, some times headache, feeling weak occasionally. for this I had consulted a doctor today and he has suggested Stalopam plus to be taken for 30 days. I have been reviewing the effects of this medicine and wanted to know Is it good to have these tablets and no dangers? I typically would prefer yoga or physical exercise over these drugs but since I don't want to go through these symptoms again I want to give it a try. apart from this for my acidity Dr has sguggested Pantocid IT and Phosfomis tonic for energy. my BP/Sugar/ECG are all normal. Could you please suggest

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Yoga and Exercise are good indeed Detailed Answer: Namaskar Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the Day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Stalopam plus contains Clonazepam , who is Benzodiazepine group of sedative Hypnotic drug. It is used for sleep disturbance. Short term use is acceptable. The common side effects are dose related Sedation, dizziness. Tolerance may develop after use. As you have suggested yourself, going for yoga and exercise are very good. I would also suggest you the following which will definitely help 1. Consume plenty of water: 2-3 liter a day, maintaining good hydration is very important to maintain tone and normal body function. 2. Avoid Tea/Coffee/Carbonated beverages/fast food/Bakery Products. 3. Consume High Fibre diet: 2 serving of vegetable salad a day and 2 servings of citrus fruits a day like Orange( Vitamin C which is an antioxidant will be good). 4. Exercise: Brisk walking for 30-40minutes at a stretch especiallly early morning will be helpful. Walking is the best form of exercise. 5. Yoga and meditation I hope it helped. In case you need any further assistance , will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (34 minutes later)

Hello Dr - Thank you very much for your reply. From your response I understand that there is no harm in having the prescribed Stalopam for 30 days? As you have suggested I will continue to work out every day. Do you think this will definitely reduce the anxiety. because I do workout regularly like 3-4 times a week since last 3 years (its only last 3 weeks I did not go) and I wonder why even after that I have this disorder ? Could you please also clarify a few questions 1) I am really worried and scared now thinking about this . Is it a serious mental disorder and can it be definitely be cured? 2) Sometimes during weekend I tend to have alchohol (in moderation). Can I consume it normally in between these medications? Or is it better if I skip the medication the day I consume alchohol or vice versa 3) Is anxiety harmful and does it cauase any physical health damage (heart, brain etc) ? 4) does it lead to any other disorder? Thank you very much for your help and patience Regards Guru XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Exercise and meditation will be very helpful Detailed Answer: Hi Namaskar Dear Mr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Its not a serious disease and can be taken care. Being stress free and relaxed is very important Coming to your queries 1. Its not a serious mental disease. 2. I would advise complete and absolute abstinence of alcohol. Alcohol may worsen your symptoms. So totally no for alcohol. All the beneficial effect you have achieved the whole week by maintaining good diet, exercise, yoga and meditation will be nullified by it. 3. Everyone of us have experienced anxiety during one time or the other. It is like over response of the body to given stress level. Its unlikely to affect heart and brain. It may cause many Psychsomatic symptoms like chest pain, headache etc. Being relaxed, understanding our own body, respecting its needs and requirements will definitely help. 4. Anxiety may be Physiological that is normal, but when it is of longer duration or affects the daily routine and functioning it becomes pathological anxiety and is likely to affect the routine. Blood pressure may get elevated, altered lipid profile, vague body ache and other symptoms. Follow the previous advise, take a break from work, regular picnic , spending time with family are the most effective stress busters. Wishing you a happy and healthy life. Take Care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (16 hours later)

Thank you very much I would request you to help me understand these things so that it can get some peace of mind :) 1) Can I do away with the tablets prescribed completely and only concentrate on walking and diet for some time (like wait for 1 week and then only go for tablets)? 2) If it is fine to use the tablets then does it lead to any long run side effects like getting BP or hypertension, heart issues etc (sincei am using it for 30 times)? 3) once I don't see any symptoms of anxiety and when I feel free are there any chances that I might face the issue again in future? 4) are there any techniques like for breathing and thought process which can be followed to reduce the anxiety attacks and lastly is orange/mosambi juice as good as having oranges or mosambi as a whole? Thank you very much for your help once again Best regards Guru

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Whole fruits are always superior to Fruit juices Detailed Answer: Hi Namaskar Dear Mr XXXXXXX 1. You can totally do away with taking the medicines. Yoga, exercise, diet can will definitely be more helpful, also drug dependence will also be prevented. 2. Use of medication will not lead to any chronic disorder like hypertension, heart disease . They may cause physical dependence 3. Everyone of us may experience anxiety, managing the present anxiety does not rule out future anxiety from occuring. Managing stress is very important. 4. Practising Pranayam, deep breathing in and slowly releasing the breath over prolonged time done for 15 - 20 minutes every session will be helpful. Meditation and spirituality also help in managing anxiety. Its always better to consume whole fruits instead of juice. During the preocess of removal of juice, the natural fiber and nutrients are lost. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance Take Care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS,MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj