Ramelteon: a melatonin receptor agonist for the treatment of insomnia.

Author(s): Devi V, Shankar PK

Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, India. vasudha_manipal@yahoo.co.in

Publication date & source: 2008-01, J Postgrad Med., 54(1):45-8.

Publication type:

Ramelteon is a novel MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor selective agonist recently approved for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in sleep onset. It is a nonscheduled drug since it lacks the potential for abuse and does not interact with neurotransmitter receptors most associated with these phenomena. Although the effects of ramelteon use > 5 weeks are unknown, the available data confirms its safety and efficacy for short-term use. Clinical use and future research should uncover more information about ramelteon's properties.