Ramelteon

Ramelteon, marketed as Rozerem among others, is a sleep agent that selectively binds to the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), instead of binding to GABAA receptors, such as with drugs like zolpidem. Ramelteon, marketed as Rozerem among others, is a sleep agent that selectively binds to the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), instead of binding to GABAA receptors, such as with drugs like zolpidem. It however does not appear to speed the onset of sleep or alter the total amount of sleep a person gets. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use. Ramelteon does not show any appreciable binding to GABAA receptors, which are associated with anxiolytic, myorelaxant, and amnesic effects. Ramelteon can be used for insomnia, particularly delayed sleep onset. A systematic review, published in 2014, concluded 'ramelteon was found to be beneficial in preventing delirium in medically ill individuals when compared to placebo.' Ramelteon has not been shown to produce dependence and has shown no potential for abuse, and the withdrawal and rebound insomnia that is typical with GABA modulators is not present in ramelteon.