Ramelteon
ram el’ tee on
Why is this medication prescribed?
Ramelteon is used to help patients who have sleep-onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) fall asleep more quickly. Ramelteon is in a class of medications called melatonin receptor agonists. It works similarly to melatonin, a natural substance in the brain that is needed for sleep.
How should this medicine be used?
Ramelteon comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, no earlier than 30 minutes before bedtime. Do not take ramelteon with or shortly after a high fat meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ramelteon exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may become sleepy soon after you take ramelteon. After you take ramelteon, you should complete any necessary bedtime preparations and go to bed. Do not plan any other activities for this time.
Your insomnia should improve after you begin treatment with ramelteon. Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve at the beginning of your treatment. Also call your doctor if your insomnia gets worse or you notice unusual changes in your behavior at any time during your treatment.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ramelteon,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ramelteon or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);certain antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend);; aprepitant (Emend); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac);clopidogrel (Plavix);efavirenz (Sustiva);HIV protease inhibitors including atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra),nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase);fluoroquinolone antibiotics including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), others; fluvastatin (Lescol) fluvoxamine (Luvox); metronidazole (Flagyl);nefazodone; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane);sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra); sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); ticlopidine (Ticlid) ;and zarfirlukast (Accolate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, damage to the lungs that makes breathing difficult), sleep apnea (breathing stops for a short time during sleep), depression, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ramelteon, call your doctor.
- you should know that ramelteon may make you drowsy during the daytime. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking ramelteon. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by ramelteon.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Ramelteon may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness or tiredness
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- changes in the way food tastes
- muscle or joint pain
- stuffy or runny nose, cough, or other cold symptoms
- flu-like symptoms
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor:
- stopping of menstrual periods
- milky discharge from the nipples
- decreased sexual desire
- fertility problems
- depression
Ramelteon may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
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Last Revised - 10/01/2005