What is Ramelteon: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ramelteon overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Rozerem

Generic Names:

  • Ramelteon

Uses:

  • Treats insomnia (trouble falling asleep).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Nonbarbiturate Hypnotic

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Ramelteon used for?

What form(s) does Ramelteon come in

  • Tablet

What are common Ramelteon doses?

  • Tablet 8MG

Common Ramelteon prescriptions

  • Ramelteon
    8mg tablet

How to take Ramelteon

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Do not take this medicine with or right after a high-fat meal.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • It is best to take this medicine no more than 30 minutes before you go to bed. After you take the medicine, do not engage in any other activity except getting ready for bed.

  • It is best to take this medicine no more than 30 minutes before you go to bed. After you take the medicine, do not engage in any other activity except getting ready for bed.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Do not take this medicine with or right after a high-fat meal.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ramelteon

  • If you forget to take your medicine at bedtime and you cannot sleep, take it as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for you to awaken, skip the missed dose and wait until the next night to take your medicine. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ramelteon contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ramelteon, if you are also using fluvoxamine (Luvox®), or if you have severe liver disease.

Ramelteon warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, sleep apnea, or a breathing disorder such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness, or if you have ever had thoughts of hurting yourself.

  • You might have mood or behavior changes with this medicine, such as feeling sad or hopeless, or getting upset easily. You could feel nervous or hostile. Some people become violent and want to hurt themselves or others. You might have too much energy, or see or hear unusual things. Call your doctor right away if you have any strange feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.

  • This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or tongue when you take this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Unusual thoughts or behavior.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • This medicine may cause some hormone changes. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: a decreased interest in sex; problems getting pregnant; an irregular or change in menstrual periods; or discharge from the nipples (in women).

  • This medicine may cause sleep-related behaviors such as driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while you are asleep or not fully awake. If these unwanted effects occur, tell your doctor right away.

  • Worsening of insomnia (trouble sleeping).

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Ramelteon interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using donepezil (Aricept®), doxepin (Sinequan®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), or rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®).

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause sleep-related behaviors such as driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while you are asleep or not fully awake. If these unwanted effects occur, tell your doctor right away.

  • This medicine may cause some hormone changes. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: a decreased interest in sex; problems getting pregnant; an irregular or change in menstrual periods; or discharge from the nipples (in women).

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Ramelteon side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Unusual thoughts or behavior.

  • Feeling depressed, anxious, or agitated.

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.

  • Discharge from the nipples in women.

  • Worsening of insomnia (trouble sleeping).

  • Loss of interest in sex.

  • Changes in behavior or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Changes in menstrual periods.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea.

  • Headaches.

  • Dizziness or drowsiness.

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