Rozerem vs Ambien – detailed comparison:
Rozerem
It is the brand name of a drug called ramelteon, a sedative that works by affecting certain substances in the human body which help regulate the circadian rhythm (also known as the sleep-wake cycle).
It is the first prescription sleep medication that has shown no evidence of dependence, abuse, or withdrawal. Its approval was supported by a number of clinical trials, investigating both the drug’s abuse-potential and tolerability profiles and the efficacy of the sedative.
This medication is produced by Takeda Pharmaceutical, the largest pharmaceutical company in Asia and Japan.
Uses
It is approved for use in adults having trouble falling asleep due to insomnia, a sleep disorder that is described by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
According to the data, people with this condition have one or more of the following symptoms:
- waking up too early in the morning;
- difficulty falling asleep;
- fatigue or low energy;
- problems at work or school;
- waking up during the night and having problems returning to sleep;
- difficulty in personal relationships;
- behavior problems, like – feeling aggression or being impulsive;
- mood disturbance, like – irritability;
- cognitive impairment, like – difficulty concentrating;
- unrefreshing sleep.
Insomnia can be caused by:
- unhealthy sleep habits;
- medical and psychiatric conditions;
- certain biological factors;
- specific substance abuse.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose for an adult is 8 mg orally, no earlier than 30 minutes before bedtime. This is also the maximum recommended dose.
Because it will make it harder for the body to absorb the medication, avoid taking it together with or just after eating a high-fat meal.
Moreover, it should not be taken by those suffering from severe liver problems or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or in combination with the antidepressant called Luvox.
Note – your sleep problems should improve within 7 to 10 days after you start the treatment. Call your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve during this time.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- tired feeling;
- worsening sleep problems;
- nausea;
- drowsiness.
Rare side effects may include:
- difficulty swallowing or breathing;
- thoughts about hurting yourself;
- vomiting;
- feeling that the throat is closing;
- a missed menstrual period;
- worsening depression;
- fertility problems;
- loss of interest in sex;
- hallucinations;
- decreased sexual desire;
- unusual thoughts or behavior;
- milky discharge from the nipples;
- irregular menstrual periods;
- swelling of the tongue or throat.
To be sure that this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional if you have:
- suicidal thoughts;
- mental illness;
- a history of depression;
- a breathing disorder;
- sleep apnea;
- liver disease.
Drug Interaction
Since this medication may interact with other drugs, tell your healthcare provider about all the current medicines you are taking, especially:
- rifampin;
- donepezil;
- albuterol;
- ketoconazole;
- fluconazole;
- perforomist;
- doxepin.
Addiction
Unlike some other sleep medications, this one is not known to be habit-forming.
Alcohol
It is not recommended to take this medication in conjunction with alcohol because it will only increase the risk of side effects.
Ambien
It is the brand name of a medication called zolpidem which belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on the brain to produce a calming effect by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a chemical in the body that causes sleepiness. Increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid activity helps people fall asleep faster.
Uses
It is commonly used to treat insomnia, a condition that causes trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Doctors typically prescribe this sedative-hypnotic for 7 to 14 days or less because its main ingredient can have some substantial negative side effects.
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Dosage
The usual recommended dosage is 5 to 10 mg once per day just before going to bed.
Note – the medication has not been proven to be safe for people younger than 18 years of age.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- loss of coordination;
- upset stomach;
- light-headed feeling;
- constipation;
- weakness;
- nose or throat irritation;
- tired feeling;
- stuffy nose;
- daytime drowsiness;
- dry mouth;
- muscle pain;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- headaches.
Rare side effects may include:
- chest pain;
- trouble breathing;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- feeling short of breath;
- pounding heartbeat;
- fast or irregular heartbeat;
- problems swallowing.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding since it can pass into breast milk and negatively affect the infant. The medication could cause harm to the fetus, therefore, before taking it, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
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Drug Interactions
This sedative-hypnotic may interfere with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor if you take:
- other sedatives;
- medications for anxiety;
- allergy medicines;
- antidepressants;
- drugs for mental illness;
- cold medicines;
- exelon patch;
- dexmethylphenidate (a central nervous system stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy);
- tranquilizers;
- chlorpromazine (Thorazine);
- pain medicines;
- rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin);
- medicines for seizures;
- antifungal medicines;
- sleeping pills;
- elective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists.
To make sure that this sedative-hypnotic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- suicidal thoughts;
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- anxiety disorder;
- myasthenia gravis;
- depression;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- a history of mental illness;
- a history of drug addiction;
- emphysema;
- asthma;
- bronchitis.
Addiction
Many reports have suggested that some people abuse this medication for a narcotic-like “high.” Abuse can result in:
- memory loss;
- hallucinations;
- fatigue;
- nausea or vomiting;
- lack of coordination;
- euphoria.
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Bottom Line – Rozerem vs Ambien
Rozerem (active ingredient – ramelteon) is a sedative that works by affecting certain substances in the body which help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is unique among approved sleep-promoting drugs due to the absence of sedating effects and abuse liability as well as the mechanism of action targeting the activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Ambien (active ingredient – zolpidem) is a drug that is used to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for a person to stay asleep or go to sleep. It works by slowing the activity in the brain, allowing you to reach a state of sleep.
While both medications can be effective, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine which one is right for you.
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References https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/ramelteon https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/021782lbl.pdf https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0415/p1437.html