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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)

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Doxepin

(Silenor)

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Summary for Rozerem

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.

Indications for Rozerem

Pros and Cons for Rozerem

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

Common Side Effects for Rozerem

  • Dizziness (4%)
  • Sleepiness (3%)
  • Fatigue (3%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Worsening insomnia (3%)

Warnings for Rozerem

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Changes in behavior and unusual thoughts
  • Other causes of insomnia
  • Caution while driving
  • Hormonal changes

Summary for Silenor

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 for Silenor

  • Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Silenor

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 for Silenor

  • Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)

Warnings for Silenor

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Ramelteon30 tablets / 8mg
$35.45$419.51
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Price Card Drug Icon
Doxepin30 tablets / 3mg
$53.04$315.60
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