Hetlioz

(tasimelteon)

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Keeps the sleep cycle normal for completely blind people who aren't able to see light.

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Our bottom line

Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is the only approved medicine to help completely blind people who are unable to see light maintain regular sleep cycles. It is only available as a brand name, so it can be expensive.

Quick facts about Hetlioz
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is not addictive.
  • Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is the only drug that's approved to help people unable to see light to have regular sleep cycles.
  • If you have to stop taking Hetlioz (tasimelteon) suddenly, you're not likely to have withdrawal.
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What to expect from Hetlioz, on one page

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Downsides

  • Hetlioz (tasimelteon) can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect.
  • Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is only available as a brand name so it can be expensive.
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What to expect from Hetlioz, on one page

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How it works

Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is a melatonin receptor agonist. It helps you to sleep at night and stay awake during the day.

Quick facts about Hetlioz
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

  • Non-24 hour sleep-wake cycle

Dosage forms

  • Pill
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Hetlioz (tasimelteon) for Non-24 hour sleep wake cycle

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Nightmares or abnormal dreams
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Side effect rates for Hetlioz (tasimelteon)

From 84 clinical trials of Hetlioz when taken for non-24 hour sleep wake disorder
  • Headache
    17%17%
    7%7%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    10%10%
    5%5%
  • Nightmares or abnormal dreams
    10%10%
  • Common cold or flu
    7%7%
  • Urinary tract infection
    7%7%
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Hetlioz.

Hetlioz (tasimelteon)
Placebo

People taking Hetlioz felt side effect more

People taking Hetlioz felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Hetlioz (tasimelteon)

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  • Don't take Hetlioz (tasimelteon) unless you're planning to sleep, since it can make you sleepy and less able to concentrate.

Common concerns from people taking Hetlioz (tasimelteon)

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Sleep
  • If you go to sleep at a different time, don't take Hetlioz (tasimelteon).