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Compare Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

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

Key takeaways

Ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) are both melatonin receptor agonists used to help with sleep, but they have different uses and characteristics. Ramelteon is used to treat insomnia in adults. It is taken 30 minutes before bedtime and works quickly, but should not be taken with a high-fat meal. On the other hand, tasimelteon is used to help people with blindness who have non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder and those with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Tasimelteon needs to be taken at the same time every night on an empty stomach and can take weeks to months to show effects. Both medications are not controlled substances and are not habit-forming, but they have different side effects and interactions with other medications. Ramelteon can cause dizziness and drowsiness, while tasimelteon can cause headaches, abnormal liver tests, and upper respiratory infections. Both are available as generic medications. Ramelteon comes as an oral tablet, while tasimelteon is an oral capsule. A liquid form called Hetlioz LQ is also available.

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

  • Summary of Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

  • Indications of Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults
    •Nighttime sleep disturbances in children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS)

  • Pros and Cons of Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle
    •Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming
    •Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS
    Cons
    •Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect
    •Must be taken at the same time every night
    •Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

  • Common Side Effects of Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (10%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (10%)

  • Warnings of Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Rozerem vs. Hetlioz

    Learn more about Ramelteon
    Learn more about Tasimelteon

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