[A novel therapeutic drug: ramelteon].

Abstract

Current treatment of insomnia with hypnotics, GABA(A) receptor modulators, induces various side effects, including cognitive impairment, motor disturbance, dependence, tolerance, hang-over, and rebound insomnia. Ramelteon (Rozerem) is an orally active, highly selective melatonin MT1/MT2 receptor agonist. Unlike the sedative hypnotics that target GABA(A) receptor complexes, ramelteon is a chronohypnotic that acts on the melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors, which are primarily located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Ramelteon has demonstrated sleep-promoting effects in clinical trials, and coupled with its favorable safety profile and lack of abuse potential or dependence, this chronohypnotic provides an important treatment option for insomnia.

• Authors: Masaomi Miyamoto
• Journal: Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (Nihon Rinsho) Vol. 67 Issue 8 Pg. 1595-600 (Aug 2009) ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 19768947 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Indenes
• Receptor, Melatonin, MT1
• Receptor, Melatonin, MT2
• ramelteon

Topics

• Humans
• Indenes (therapeutic use)
• Receptor, Melatonin, MT1 (agonists)
• Receptor, Melatonin, MT2 (agonists)
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (drug therapy)