To Rozerem or Not?

Now I'm sure there's some people reading this who love this hypnotic sleep medicine because it works for them. To them I say "Fine, I'm not here to argue with you or try to convince you to stop taking this drug".

What I will ask of you is just to read this article. You are welcome to disagree with what it contains, but you may just find something here to cause you to re-think. (Heck! You must be getting sick of spending all that money!)

So what is rozerem and why is it supposed to be better than the other types of sleeping pills?

As you probably know "sleeping pills ain't sleeping pills" any more. There are different types of pills for different sleep problems. Rozerem (ramelteon) was created to mimic the natural hormone melatonin. Both substances will regulate you circadian rhythm or sleep/wake cycle.

For the scientifically minded "Rozerem targets the normal sleep-wake cycle by exerting its activity at the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)".

Rozerem compared to melatonin

Now you may well ask, "Why would you make an artificial substance when there's a natural, cheaper on already available?" Well it probably has something to do with pharmaceutical companies and profits!

Melatonin is available in health food stores for a few dollars a bottle. Rozerem needs a prescription and costs over $100 a bottle. However I believe you can now buy Rozerem with no prescription on the net.

Melatonin has certain health benefits (cancer prevention) and no known serious side effects. Rozerem has no health benefits but a host of side effects.

Rozerem side effects include:

Depression
Potential liver damage (with high doses)
Fetal abnormalities in animals (with high doses)
Headaches
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Insomnia (?)

Here are some "testimonials" from users. Identities have been removed to protect privacy...

"This pill is very expensive and did not work for me. It took a very long time (over 3 hours) before I even felt sleepy. It helped me sleep 3-4 hours and I felt like sleeping all day the next day. Maybe the best way for me to take this pill is before I leave work in order for it to begin working hours later..."

"I just started using this drug and so far has not helped at all, in fact it's worse that taking nothing at all. Plus it is very expensive. I'm going back to the doc to see what else is available..."

"I got myself prepared for bed last night (with the recommended time for the pill to take effect..30 min) and tossed and turned all night. 30 pills costs me $55.00..today, I am droggy, lethargic, and honestly had trouble driving into work this morning. Seems like the medication is trying to work today instead of last night. Wish I could take the medication back to the pharmacy and get a refund..I ... "

"Tried this a few days, doctor said it would take time. Sawing off my leg with a butter knife would take time too and I would rather do that than take this drug. I was having all of the side effects ...."

"Horrible Nightmares, headaches, did not let me sleep, next day drowsiness, THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD, half an ambien is a blessing compared to this."

Hopefully these poor folk have found a better answer to their sleep problems. Maybe they have found themselves a better life without sleeping pills. I hope so!

Warnings - Don't take rozerem if pregnant or have any type of liver disorder.

Wendy Owen
2008