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.
