ramelteon

Do 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.

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do 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 are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• 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.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ramelteon, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

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.

Talk with your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after using ramelteon. You may need to be checked for other medical illnesses that may cause insomnia.

Store ramelteon at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Since ramelteon is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Ramelteon should be taken only within 30 minutes of your normal bedtime. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a ramelteon overdose are not known.

Ramelteon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking ramelteon. Alcohol may add to sleepiness caused by ramelteon.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ramelteon and call your doctor if you have:

• a missed menstrual period;
• nipple discharge; or
• loss of interest in sex.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• nausea;
• diarrhea; or
• runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Before taking ramelteon, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or
• an antifungal antibiotic such as ketoconazole (Nizoral).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ramelteon. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ramelteon.