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Article: Habit-Free Sleep Potion?
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- August 2, 2005
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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The Food and Drug Administration has approved Rozerem (ramelteon),
the first sleeping pill that can be prescribed for more than a few
weeks without risk of addiction. That attribute could make it a
better choice for insomniacs, most of whom tend to have chronic
sleeplessness, according to Eric Nofzinger, an associate professor of
psychiatry and sleep specialist at the University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine. Studies by the drug's maker, Takeda
Pharmaceuticals, show that Rozerem is not addictive, does not cause
rebound insomnia, and that long-term use does not dull its effects.
"We may be able to use this with greater impunity," said Helene