Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Rozerem (Ramelteon) a melatonin (M1,M2) receptor agonist, activating receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus which is involved in maintaining circadian rhythm. Exogenous melatonin agonists, like Ramelteon (Rozerem) or melatonin in pill form are rather less potent compared to endogenous melatonin produced in the Pineal Gland, and this medication has been shown to improve sleep onset (help individuals to fall asleep), but there's limited evidence that it improves sleep duration. With that said, some individuals only have difficulty with sleep onset, and this may be a good option for those patients. Rozerem is manufactured as an 8 mg pill, to be taken about 30 minutes before bed, being mindful to not take it with, or shortly after a high fat meal. This may be a good option for patients, when sleep hygiene and behavioral modification are not enough, and they want to avoid sedative hypnotics, which have abuse potential (rozerem has very limited to no abuse potential).
Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.
These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.
Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.
This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
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