Ramelteon proved to be effective in treating insomnia in several clinical trials, making it a valuable option for those struggling with sleep onset difficulties.
However, you can only get this medication with your doctor’s prescription, which may entail long waiting or travel times since sleep specialists are scarce. This article explains how to get a ramelteon prescription online, presents its mechanism of action, and suggests non-pharmaceutical methods to try to reach long-lasting results.
How To Buy Ramelteon Online Safely
When getting ramelteon online, you should ensure you’re dealing with a reputable telemedicine clinic. Four steps to help you make an informed decision are:
- Check for accreditation—Ensure the telemedicine service is accredited by recognized healthcare organizations. Accreditation confirms that the service meets the recommended standards of quality and safety
- Verify provider credentials—Check if the healthcare providers are board-certified in their specialty area. You can usually find this information on the service’s website or by asking the service directly
- Read user reviews—Look for reviews on third-party websites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Pay attention to comments about the quality of care, ease of use, and response times
- Understand the privacy policy—The service should comply with HIPAA regulations to ensure your health information is protected. It should use secure, encrypted connections for all communications
- Confirm if they offer routine support—A reputable telehealth service should provide ongoing support and follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any concerns you may have during treatment
Kick, an online performance medicine clinic, checks all these boxes and more, providing a secure and supportive platform for managing your sleep health.
Source: Polina Kovaleva
Kick—Quick Access to Personalized Sleep Solutions
Designed by Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a Stanford-based expert, Kick’s sleep program offers a science-backed, tailored approach to overcoming insomnia. The program combines cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) best practices with gentle medications like ramelteon, helping you get comprehensive treatment.
Sleep medications Kick offers include:
When you join the program, your doctor will prescribe two trial medications to rotate in the first two weeks, reducing the risk of dependence. If the initial plan doesn’t yield the desired results, our expert will adjust the treatment to optimize it.
Your doctor will also offer tips on healthy sleep hygiene, helping you reach a lasting solution. Kick’s unique approach has helped numerous individuals overcome insomnia, which is evidenced by many positive reviews on Trustpilot.
Getting Started With Kick
To benefit from Kick’s sleep program, follow three simple steps:
- Visit the signup page to begin your 15-minute consultation
- Fill out the questionnaire to help us understand your sleep issues and health status
- Provide your delivery and payment details
If Kick’s team decides you’re not the best candidate for the program, you won’t pay for the initial consultation as per our Doctor Guarantee.
Source: Kampus Production
How Ramelteon for Insomnia Works
Ramelteon is an FDA-approved melatonin receptor agonist prescribed to individuals with sleep disorders. The medication is sold under several brand names, including:
- Rozerem
- TAK-375
Once administered, ramelteon mimics melatonin, a natural chemical in the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It selectively binds to and activates melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors, which play a crucial role in sleep regulation and circadian rhythm.
By activating these receptors, ramelteon enhances their function, including the modulation of neuronal firing rates, which influences the body’s internal clock and promotes sleep onset.
Since the drug targets the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a region of the brain that uses signals from the eyes to help establish and maintain the biological clock, it can offer a more focused approach to sleep regulation. Due to its unique mechanism, the drug carries a negligible risk of developing dependence, making it a viable option for individuals who need long-term treatment for sleep issues.
How To Take Ramelteon for Sleep
Ramelteon is a tablet, and the typical sleep dose is 8 mg, taken an hour before bedtime.
To benefit from this medication, follow these tips:
- Avoid high-fat meals before taking the drug—High-fat meals can slow down the absorption of ramelteon, delaying its onset. Aim for a low-fat meal before bedtime
- Limit alcohol consumption—Alcohol can enhance the drug’s sedative effects, increasing the risk of excessive drowsiness or other unwanted reactions
- Avoid driving or operating machinery—Ramelteon can affect your thinking or reactions. If you feel drowsy after taking the medication, avoid activities that require alertness until the effects subside
- Avoid doubling up on doses—If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule
- Schedule regular doctor visits—Regular check-ups enable your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust the dosage if necessary
- Store the drug correctly—Keeping the medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture, helps maintain its effectiveness
- Don’t discontinue suddenly—Abrupt cessation can cause an insomnia relapse. Consult your doctor for a safe discontinuation plan
Who Should Take Ramelteon for Sleep?
Source: Niels from Slaapwijsheid.nl
Ramelteon is generally safe for adults grappling with sleep-onset insomnia. Since its abuse potential is low, the drug can be a viable option for patients seeking a non-addictive solution.
Still, the medication is contraindicated for individuals with specific health issues or on certain medications. Check out the table below for more details:
This list isn’t exhaustive. If you have other health conditions or use specific substances, inform your doctor before getting ramelteon.
Side Effects of Ramelteon
Ramelteon carries the risk of side effects, but patients who adhere to their doctor’s instructions rarely experience them. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the typical unwanted reactions to the drug:
If you experience any side effects while on ramelteon, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
Source: Nitin Khajotia
Alternatives to Ramelteon
If your healthcare provider assesses that ramelteon isn’t the best fit for you, they may recommend other solutions, including:
- Other sleep medication
- Lifestyle changes
Other Sleep Medication
Depending on the factors contributing to sleeplessness, your doctor may recommend other medications to help you overcome it. The table below lists some of the drugs healthcare providers typically prescribe to people with insomnia:
Lifestyle Changes
Besides medication, certain lifestyle changes can be effective in alleviating sleeplessness. Some helpful strategies are:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule—Align your sleep schedule with your natural circadian rhythm by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This can help regulate your internal clock and improve sleep quality
- Optimize your sleep environment—Create a sleep-friendly environment that’s quiet, dark, and cool. Consider using earplugs to block out noise, blackout curtains to darken the room, and a fan or air conditioner to keep the room cool
- Exercise regularly—Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Still, avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this might interfere with sleep onset
- Manage stress—High anxiety levels can interfere with sleep. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress and improve sleep
- Mind what you eat—Large or spicy meals can cause discomfort and interfere with sleep. Aim to finish eating at least a few hours before bed. Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, close to bedtime
- Limit daytime naps—While napping can be beneficial, long or irregular napping can negatively affect sleep. If you must nap, limit it to 20 to 30 minutes and do it in the early afternoon
These methods can also be used alongside medication to get encompassing treatment.
Featured image source: Polina Kovaleva
