Chemical Name : Ramelteon
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. Uses Insomnia is not merely the inability to sleep at night; it is when an individual experiences daytime consequences as a result of a difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep or having sleep that is not refreshing. And the severity of these consequences is directly related to the type of insomnia the individual is experiencing which is classified as Transient, Intermittent and Chronic Insomnia. Recent research suggests that several bouts of transient insomnia can lead to chronic insomnia, and one of the current treatment goals is to prevent this evolution.
Rozerem (ramelteon) acts on two melatonin receptors in the brain, as opposed to the conventional targeting of the GABA-A receptor. Resultantly, it has lesser side effects than other sleeping pills and is indicated for long-term use. How to take this medication
Rozerem is not a controlled substance. The recommended dose of Rozerem is 8mg take within 30 minutes before going to bed and activities should be confined to those necessary to prepare for bed. Intake of this medicine should not be with or immediately after a high-fat meal. Side Effects
Side effects, which may go away during treatment, include headache, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, worsening insomnia, colds. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Rozerem may affect the reproductive hormones by increasing prolactin and potentially decreasing testosterone levels. This may cause missed monthly periods, nipple drainage, decreased sex drive, or problems getting pregnant.
Precautions
Rozerem should not be used by patients with severe hepatic impairment, or in patients in combination with fluvoxamine. It has not been studied in subjects with severe sleep apnea or severe COPD and is not recommended for use in those populations. Rozerem has been associated with decreased testosterone levels and increased prolactin levels. Its effect has not been studied in children or adolescents, and the effects in these populations are unknown.
Engaging in hazardous activities that require concentration (such as operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery) after taking Rozerem should be avoided.
No clinical studies in nursing mothers have been performed and consequently the use of Rozerem in nursing mothers is not recommended. Drug Interactions
Rozerem and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine, you consume alcohol or if you smoke. Alcohol may increase the side effects with Rozerem.
Some medicines may affect how Rozerem works or it may affect how your other medicines work. Especially if you take: fluvoxamine, rifampin (Rifadin), ketoconazole (Nizoral) or fluconazole (Diflucan). Missed Dose
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. Storage
Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. |
