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.
