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Compare Rozerem vs. Remeron

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

Key takeaways

Ramelteon (Rozerem) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist used to treat insomnia by mimicking the natural hormone melatonin to help you fall asleep. It is taken by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime and is not habit-forming. On the other hand, mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is taken once daily, usually at night, and can cause side effects like weight gain and sleepiness. While ramelteon is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms, stopping mirtazapine suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, mirtazapine is available in both oral and dissolvable tablet forms, whereas ramelteon is only available as an oral tablet.

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)

  • Summary of Rozerem vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant (or more specifically, tetracyclic antidepressant). It's used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is available as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's taken once daily, typically at night. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness and dry mouth. Mirtazapine (Remeron) can also raise your appetite and put you at risk for weight gain.

  • Indications of Rozerem vs. Remeron

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Rozerem vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a dissolvable tablet for those who can't swallow pills
    •Less likely to cause sexual side effects compared SSRIs
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain
    •Can cause sleepiness
    •Risk of withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Rozerem vs. Remeron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (54%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Feeling more hungry (17%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)

  • Warnings of Rozerem vs. Remeron

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping mirtazapine (Remeron) suddenly
    •Not for bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Rozerem vs. Remeron

    Learn more about Ramelteon
    Learn more about Mirtazapine

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