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Compare Ambien vs. Rozerem

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar) and Ramelteon (Rozerem) are both used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have different safety profiles. Zolpidem is a slows down brain activity to help you fall asleep quickly. It is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) with a risk of misuse and dependency, and it can cause serious side effects like sleepwalking, sleep driving, and withdrawal symptoms. Ramelteon mimics the natural hormone melatonin to regulate your sleep cycle. It's not a controlled substance and isn't known to be habit-forming. While both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, ramelteon generally has fewer side effects and is considered safer for long-term use. Additionally, ramelteon should not be taken with or right after a high-fat meal, as this can affect how well it works.

  • Zolpidem
    Ramelteon (Rozerem)
  • Zolpidem
    Ramelteon (Rozerem)

  • Summary of Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Summary for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Prescription only

    Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.

    Summary for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia in adults. It belongs to the drug class known as melatonin receptor agonists and works like melatonin. Ramelteon (Rozerem) is taken by mouth, typically about 30 minutes before bedtime. Unlike some other prescription sleep medications, ramelteon (Rozerem) isn't a controlled substance nor known to be habit-forming. Side effects of ramelteon (Rozerem) aren't common, but can include drowsiness and dizziness.

  • Indications of Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Waking up in the middle of the night - certain sublingual tablets only
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Pros and Const for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Pros
    •Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you
    •Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia
    •Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating
    •Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly
    •Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence
    Pros and Const for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Not a controlled substance and isn't known to be habit-forming
    •Fewer side effects than some other sleep medications
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with or right after a high-fat meal
    •Can interact with many medications, including fluconazole, rifampin, and fluvoxamine
    •Not recommended for people with sleep apnea or severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (2%)
    •Dizziness (1%)
    •Diarrhea (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)

  • Warnings of Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression
    •Slowed breathing
    •Liver damage in people with liver problems
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Changes in behavior and unusual thoughts
    •Other causes of insomnia
    •Caution while driving
    •Hormonal changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Ambien vs. Rozerem

    Learn more about Zolpidem
    Learn more about Ramelteon

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