I have been suffering from insomnia for the last 25 years and have consulted many doctors. For the past 9 months, I have been taking Mirtaz 30 mg at night and Fludac 20 mg in the morning, and now I feel about 60 % better. Should I continue these medicines, and what else can help improve my sleep further?

Long-term insomnia can affect both physical and emotional health, so feeling around 60% better after treatment is a positive sign. Mirtaz 30 and Fludac 20 are sometimes used when sleep problems are linked with anxiety, stress, low mood, or disturbed sleep cycles. Improvement in chronic insomnia often happens gradually rather than suddenly, especially when symptoms have continued for many years. Whether you should continue the same medicines depends on your sleep quality, daytime functioning, side effects, emotional health, and your doctor?s long-term treatment plan. Stopping or changing these medicines suddenly without medical guidance is not recommended because sleep problems may worsen again. Maintaining fixed sleep and waking times, reducing mobile and screen use before bed, avoiding caffeine late in the day, regular light exercise, relaxation techniques, and a calm sleep environment may further improve sleep naturally. Emotional stress management and counselling may also help some people with long-standing insomnia. Talk to your doctor if sleep becomes worse again or if you develop excessive daytime sleepiness, mood changes, unusual dreams, anxiety, or dependence on medicines for sleep.

I have a history of depression and previously took Mirtaz 30. For the last six months, I have been taking Alprox 0.25, but I still experience mild depression symptoms and racing thoughts at night that prevent me from sleeping. Should I change my medication to help me sleep better?

Yes, you should consult your doctor about adjusting your treatment. Alprox (alprazolam) is a short-acting benzodiazepine. Taking it daily for six months can lead to tolerance, dependence, and worsening insomnia, and it does not treat the root cause of your depression. In contrast, your previous medication, Mirtaz (mirtazapine), is highly effective for both depression and sleep. Please do not stop Alprox suddenly, as this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Instead, see your psychiatrist to discuss safely tapering off Alprox and transitioning to a more appropriate long-term medication, such as restarting mirtazapine, to safely address your depression and racing thoughts.

For the past few days, I have been experiencing stress along with gastrointestinal problems such as acidity and frequent belching. I believe this is related to my son going abroad for studies, which keeps worrying me. A psychiatrist prescribed Mitraz 30 mg and Armod 50 mg, but I am now experiencing palpitations, excessive belching, and drowsiness. Are these side effects normal, and what should I do?

Stress and worry can sometimes trigger acidity, belching, and palpitations, especially during emotionally difficult situations. Medicines like Mitraz 30 mg and Armod 50 mg are commonly prescribed to help with anxiety, sleep, and mood. However, drowsiness, stomach discomfort, palpitations, and digestive symptoms can occur in some people, especially during the first few days of treatment while the body adjusts. These side effects are often mild and may improve over time, but if the palpitations or stomach symptoms are troubling or persistent, it is important to inform your doctor so they can adjust the dose or change the medication if needed. In the meantime, try regular meals, light physical activity, relaxation techniques, and limiting tea/coffee, which may help reduce acidity and stress.