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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ramelteon?
You should 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?
You should 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).
To make sure you can safely take ramelteon, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
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.