Drug Detail:Ramelteon (Ramelteon [ ram-el-tee-on ])
Drug Class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia
8 mg orally within 30 minutes of going to bed
Maximum Dose: 8 mg per day
Comments: This drug should not be taken with or immediately after a high-fat meal.
Use: Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended.
Liver Dose Adjustments
- Mild Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh A): Data not available.
- Moderate Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh B): Use with caution.
- Severe Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh C): Not recommended.
Dose Adjustments
- Concomitant Use of CYP450 1A2 Inhibiting Drugs: Contraindicated with fluvoxamine; Caution recommended if used with other CYP450 1A2 inhibitors.
- Patients with Severe Sleep Apnea: Not recommended.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
- Hemodialysis: No adjustment recommended.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Data not available.
Other Comments
Administration Advice:
- The drug tablet should be swallowed whole; tablets should not be broken.
Storage Requirements:
- The container should be kept tightly closed to protect from moisture and humidity.
General:
- This drug does not appear to produce physical dependence; treatment discontinuation after chronic administration did not produce withdrawal signs in humans or in animals.
- If overdosage occurs, general symptomatic and supportive measures should be used along with immediate gastric lavage where appropriate and IV fluids as needed.
Patient Advice:
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug.
- Do not take other medications that can make you sleepy while taking this drug.
- Do not take this drug with food or right after a meal.
- Do not take this drug unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
- After taking this drug, avoid driving and other activities that require concentration such as operating machinery; limit your activities to those necessary to prepare for bed.
- Consult your healthcare provider if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Seroquel help you sleep?