Rozerem FAQ: Common Questions and Answers about Rozerem

Q: What is Rozerem?

A: Rozerem is a sleep aid used to treat insomnia.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Rozerem?

A: The active ingredient in Rozerem is a sedative or hypnotic called ramelteon.

Q: How does Rozerem work on insomnia?

A: Rozerem targets the part of the brain that control's the body's sleep-wake cycle. Rozerem works as a sleep aid by helping you to relax, fall asleep and stay asleep.

Q: I have heard that some sleep aids can be addictive. Is Rozerem habit-forming?

A: Unlike some other sleep aids Rozerem is not a controlled substance, which means it is not subject to certain government restrictions that apply to drugs that can cause addiction. In fact, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Rozerem leads to abuse or dependence. Still, Rozerem should be used with care under the guidance of a licensed physician.

 

Q: Will I feel groggy or tired the morning after taking Rozerem?

 

A: Most people who take Rozerem do not experience morning-after tiredness or grogginess.

Q: What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Rozerem?

A: Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before taking Rozerem, including the following:

• How long you have had insomnia and what might have prompted the condition.

• All drug allergies, especially to any ingredient contained in Rozerem.

• All other medications you are taking, including another sleep aid, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

• If you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.

• If you have liver disease.

• If you suffer from sleep apnea - a condition where you stop breathing temporarily during sleep.

• If you have lung problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or emphysema.

• If you have a history of depression or mental illness.

• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• If you are 65 years or older.

Q: How should I take Rozerem?

A: Observe the following precautions before and while you take Rozerem:

• Only take Rozerem under the supervision of your healthcare provider, irrespective of whether you have used either this sleep aid or another sleep aid before.

• Before you start taking Rozerem, read the patient information that comes with the medicine. But be aware that it is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician.

• Take Rozerem orally, with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food, as directed by your doctor. However, do not take Rozerem with or soon after a high-fat meal.

• Take Rozerem half an hour before going to bed.

• Inform your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve (or if they worsen) after using Rozerem for 7 to 10 nights.

• Rozerem is intended for use as a short-term sleep aid only. Do not take Rozerem for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor, even if it does not help your insomnia.

Q: What are the possible side effects of Rozerem?

A: Most people who use Rozerem as a sleep aid do not experience any serious side effects. Some of the more common Rozerem side effects include: dizziness, tiredness, daytime drowsiness, diarrhea, and nausea. These Rozerem side effects are typically mild and normally do not result in the patient discontinuing treatment. Some people have reported that after using Rozerem, they engaged in activities that they later did not remember. If this occurs, or if you develop any Rozerem side effects that concern you, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Q: What are the possible allergic reactions to Rozerem?

A: If you are allergic to ramelteon or to any other ingredient in Rozerem, make sure you inform your doctor before taking this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to Rozerem is unlikely, but talk to your doctor immediately if one develops. Possible symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing.

• Rash, itching, or hives.

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.

• Severe dizziness.

Q: Are there any other drugs I should avoid while taking Rozerem?

A: Before you begin taking Rozerem, inform your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Rozerem side effects may be aggravated and could become more dangerous if the sleep aid is used along with:

 

• Cimetidine (Tagamet).

• Fluvoxamine (Luvox).

• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane).

• Anti-fungals such as Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), or Nizoral (ketoconazole).

• Other sleep aids, narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxants, seizure medications, or anti-anxiety medications.

• Certain cold medications that contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness.

Q: Are there any other activities that I should avoid while taking Rozerem?

 

A: Rozerem can make you drowsy and impair your reflexes and reactions. Avoid the following activities after taking Rozerem:

 

• Driving or operating machinery or engaging in activities that require alertness.

• Drinking alcohol, or taking tranquillizers or other medicines that cause drowsiness. Rozerem can compound the effects of alcohol and other depressants.

Q: Is it safe to take Rozerem when I'm pregnant?

A: Rozerem may be harmful to your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and want to take Rozerem.

Q: Is it safe to take Rozerem when I'm breastfeeding?

A: Rozerem could pass into breast milk. Consult with you doctor about breastfeeding before taking Rozerem or any other sleep aid.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Rozerem?

A: If you miss a dose of Rozerem and you are taking one dose daily at bedtime, skip the missed dose. Do not take the dose in the morning and do not take two doses at once. Do not take this sleep aid if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to devote to sleep before you need to be active again.

Q: What should I do in case of an accidental overdose of Rozerem?

A: If you suspect an overdose of Rozerem, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Q: How should I store Rozerem?

A: Store Rozerem in an airtight container at room temperature. As with any medication, keep Rozerem away from children and pets.

For more information regarding insomnia, sleep aids, and Rozerem, visit our online knowledge base.