Compare Rozerem vs. doxepin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Rozerem (ramelteon)

Prescription only

doxepin

Prescription only
Helps you fall asleep.

Rozerem (ramelteon) is a good sleep medicine that's not addictive, but it can be expensive.

Treats depression and anxiety.

doxepin can treat depression and anxiety, but it's not a first choice medication because of its many side effects.

Upsides
  • Rozerem (ramelteon) isn't a controlled medicine, and it's safe to use in people age 65 or older.
  • If you stop taking Rozerem (ramelteon) suddenly, your insomnia won't come back.
  • Rozerem (ramelteon) won't make you feel hungover or groggy the next day.
  • doxepin has been consistently shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • doxepin has been used to treat depression for over forty years.
Downsides
  • Rozerem (ramelteon) is only available as a brand name.
  • Rozerem (ramelteon) is only available in 1 strength.
  • If you take Rozerem (ramelteon) on a full stomach, it won't work as well.
  • Not recommended for children.
  • Rozerem (ramelteon) can't be used if you have sleep apnea.
  • doxepin can make you very sleepy. Try taking it at bedtime if you need to be alert during the day.
  • You shouldn't drink alcohol with doxepin. It can worsen side effects like drowsiness.
  • You have to take it daily, especially if you are feeling better, for the medicine to do its job.
  • It can have more side effects than other antidepressants, like weight gain and increased appetite, decreased libido, and sleepiness.
  • It's not unusual for people to try different antidepressants until they find one that works for them.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$386.24
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Lowest price
$10.25
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Reviews
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Side effects
5possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Sleepiness
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Worsening insomnia
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The doxepin FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Behavior changes
  • Sleepiness
  • Breathing problems
    • Alcohol
    • Taking narcotics, tranquilizers, or antihistamines
  • Hormonal changes
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or under
  • Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    • Bipolar disorder
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart disease
    • Adults over 65
    • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Sleepiness
    • Adults 65 years or older
    • Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (antihistamines, sleep medications, narcotic pain medications)
    • Alcohol
  • Dizziness and falls
    • Age 65 years or older
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Rozerem (ramelteon)
Learn more about doxepin