The pain and discomfort associated with arthritis can have a secondary consequence - poor sleep. It is not uncommon for arthritis patients to have a sleeping pill among their prescribed medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new type of sleeping pill on July 22nd. The new drug, Rozerem (ramelteon), works differently than other sleeping pills on the market.

Rozerem (ramelteon) acts on two melatonin receptors in the brain, as opposed to targeting the GABA-A receptor. According to the press release from Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Rozerem is expected to have fewer side effects and is indicated for longterm use. Rozerem has not been classified as a controlled substance.

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