What is Ramelteon?

Ramelteon is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It works by affecting certain substances in your body that help regulate your “sleep-wake cycle.”
Ramelteon is used to treat insomnia that is associated with having trouble falling asleep.
Unlike some other sleep medications, ramelteon is not known to be habit-forming.
Ramelteon may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ramelteon?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ramelteon, or if you have severe liver disease.
You should not take ramelteon if you are also taking the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox).
Before taking ramelteon, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, sleep apnea, a breathing disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts.
Take ramelteon 30 minutes before your normal bedtime. After you take ramelteon, avoid doing anything other than getting ready for bed.
Avoid taking ramelteon together with or just after eating a high-fat meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking ramelteon and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ramelteon?

liver disease
sleep apnea (breathing stops while you are asleep)
a breathing disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ramelteon is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ramelteon passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ramelteon may affect the levels of male or female hormones (testosterone or prolactin). This may affect menstrual periods in women, sexual desire in men, or fertility (ability to have children) in either a man or a woman.

Ramelteon Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Ramelteon?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking ramelteon and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking ramelteon and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, worsening depression, thoughts about hurting yourself
a missed menstrual period
nipple discharge; or
loss of interest in sex

Less serious side effects may include:

drowsiness
dizziness
headache; or
nausea

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ramelteon Interactions

What other drugs affect Ramelteon?

Before taking ramelteon, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

methoxsalen (Oxsoralen)
primaquine o thabendazole (Mintezol)
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane)
an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin (Floxin)
heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) or mexiletine (Mexitil); or
an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ramelteon. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Ramelteon?

Ramelteon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking ramelteon. Alcohol may add to sleepiness caused by ramelteon.

Ramelteon Dosage

How should I take Ramelteon?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Take ramelteon 30 minutes before your normal bedtime. After you take ramelteon, avoid doing anything other than getting ready for bed.
Avoid taking ramelteon together with or just after eating a high-fat meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Talk with your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after 7 days of using ramelteon. You may need to be checked for other medical illnesses that may cause insomnia.
Store ramelteon at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Ramelteon?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a ramelteon overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Ramelteon?

Since ramelteon is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Ramelteon should be taken only within 30 minutes of your normal bedtime. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Ramelteon