Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Rozerem vs. Belsomra

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

Key takeaways

Ramelteon (Rozerem) and Belsomra (suvorexant) are both prescription medications used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist that mimics the natural hormone melatonin to help regulate your sleep cycle. It is not a controlled substance and is available as a generic medication. On the other hand, Belsomra is an orexin receptor antagonist that blocks the action of orexin, a chemical that promotes wakefulness. Belsomra is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for abuse and dependence, and it is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. While Ramelteon is not habit-forming, Belsomra can be addictive and is typically used for short-term treatment. Both medications should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Ramelteon should be taken on an empty stomach, whereas Belsomra may take longer to work if taken with food. Common side effects of Ramelteon include dizziness and sleepiness, while Belsomra can cause drowsiness the next day, abnormal dreams, and sleep paralysis.

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)

  • Summary of Rozerem vs. Belsomra

    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.

    Summary for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Belsomra (suvorexant) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It's helpful for those who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. You take a dosage within 30 minutes of bedtime as needed for sleep. It's common to feel drowsy the next day as a side effect. Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and becoming habit-forming. It's available as a brand-name medication only.

  • Indications of Rozerem vs. Belsomra

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Rozerem vs. Belsomra

    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
    Pros and Const for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work
    •Works within an hour to help most people fall asleep
    Cons
    •Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking
    •Not recommended for long-term use
    •Not for people with narcolepsy

  • Common Side Effects of Rozerem vs. Belsomra

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

  • Warnings of Rozerem vs. Belsomra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Changes in behavior and unusual thoughts
    •Other causes of insomnia
    •Caution while driving
    •Hormonal changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling drowsy and having trouble focusing the next day
    •Risk of worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts
    •Doing things while asleep
    •Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and weakness in the legs
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Rozerem vs. Belsomra

    Learn more about Ramelteon
    Learn more about Belsomra

Compare other Insomnia drugs

Ambien vs RozeremLunesta vs RozeremRozerem vs AtivanRozerem vs BelsomraRozerem vs ButisolRozerem vs DalmaneRozerem vs DoxepinRozerem vs EstazolamRozerem vs HetliozRozerem vs OleptroRozerem vs RemeronRozerem vs RestorilRozerem vs SilenorSonata vs RozeremElavil vs DoxepinEstazolam vs ButisolEstazolam vs DalmaneEstazolam vs DoxepinEstazolam vs HetliozEstazolam vs SilenorLunesta vs DalmaneLunesta vs DoxepinMaprotiline vs DoxepinRestoril vs DalmaneRestoril vs DoxepinSilenor vs DalmaneSonata vs DalmaneSonata vs DoxepinTriazolam vs DalmaneTriazolam vs Doxepin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.