Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Rozerem vs. Silenor

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

Key takeaways

Ramelteon (Rozerem) and Silenor (doxepin) 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 helps you fall asleep by mimicking the natural hormone melatonin. It is taken 30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach and is not habit-forming. On the other hand, Silenor is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks histamine receptors to help you stay asleep through the night. It should also be taken 30 minutes before bedtime but must be separated from meals by at least three hours. While both medications are not controlled substances and are available in generic forms, Silenor is not recommended for people under 18 and can cause unusual behaviors while not fully awake. Ramelteon has fewer side effects but can interact with many medications and is not suitable for people with severe liver problems or sleep apnea.

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Doxepin (Silenor)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Doxepin (Silenor)

  • Summary of Rozerem vs. Silenor

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Rozerem vs. Silenor

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

  • Pros and Cons of Rozerem vs. Silenor

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken once a day close to bedtime
    •Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
    •Non-addictive sleep medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
    •Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
    •Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Rozerem vs. Silenor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)

  • Warnings of Rozerem vs. Silenor

    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
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness

  • Prices with our coupons for Rozerem vs. Silenor

    Learn more about Ramelteon
    Learn more about Doxepin

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 RozeremKlonopin vs LunestaLunesta vs AtivanLunesta vs BelsomraLunesta vs ButisolLunesta vs DalmaneLunesta vs DoxepinLunesta vs EstazolamLunesta vs HetliozLunesta vs OleptroLunesta vs RemeronLunesta vs RestorilLunesta vs SilenorLunesta vs SonataLunesta vs TrazodoneOleptro vs RestorilRemeron vs Restoril
View More

Browse medications

View All

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