I have been taking Stalopam Plus for the past 6 years for sleep. Is it safe to continue long-term? Are there alternative ways to manage sleep without relying on this medication?
Taking Stalopam Plus for 6 years is not ideal for long-term use without regular medical review, as it can lead to dependence, reduced effectiveness over time, and side effects like daytime drowsiness, memory issues, or difficulty stopping the medicine. However, you should not stop it suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsening sleep. The best approach is to consult your doctor to gradually taper the dose and explore safer long-term options. Many people can improve sleep with non-medication methods such as maintaining a fixed sleep schedule, avoiding screens and caffeine before bedtime, regular exercise, relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or meditation), and managing stress or anxiety through counselling if needed. In some cases, short-term or safer alternatives may be prescribed, but the goal is to build natural sleep habits over time.