Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ramelteon is an oral drug that promotes falling
asleep and is used for treating insomnia. It acts by stimulating receptors for
melatonin in the brain. Melatonin and its receptors control the circadian rhythm
of the body that, in turn, controls the sleep/wake cycle. Unlike many drugs used
for treating insomnia, ramelteon is not addictive, and it is not a controlled
substance. Ramelteon also does not cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound insomnia
when it is stopped. Ramelteon was approved by the FDA in July, 1995.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No.
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 8 mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ramelteon is used for improving sleep in individuals
who have difficulty falling asleep.
DOSING: The recommended dose of ramelteon is 8 mg taken 30 minutes
before bedtime. Ramelteon should not be taken with or immediately after a high
fat meal because fat increases its absorption from the intestine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Fluvoxamine, ketoconazole and fluconazole increase
blood levels of ramelteon, possibly increasing side effects of ramelteon.
Rifampin may decrease blood levels of ramelteon, possibly reducing the effect of
ramelteon. Alcohol increases the sedative effects ramelteon.
PREGNANCY: Ramelteon has not been evaluated in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ramelteon has not been evaluated in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects associated with ramelteon include headache,
drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, worsening of insomnia, diarrhea and
depression.
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are medications, psychological conditions, environmental changes and stressful events. Treatments may include non-drug treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and/or prescription medications.
Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining
sleep, or both,
despite adequate opportunity and time to sleep, leading to impaired daytime
functioning. Insomnia may be due to poor quality or quantity of sleep.
Insomnia is very common and occurs in 30% to 50% of the general population.
Approximately 10% of the population may suffer from chronic (long-standing)
insomnia.
Insomnia affects people of all ages including children, although it is more
common in adults and its frequency increases with age. In general, women are
affected more frequently than men.
Insomnia may be divided into three classes based on the
duration of symptoms.
Insomnia lasting one week or less may be termed transient
insomnia;
short-term insomnia lasts more than one week but resolves in less
than three weeks; and
long-term or chronic insomnia lasts more than three we...
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