What is Recharge?
Recharge is a compounded medication combining three active ingredients: ramelteon, doxylamine, and valerian root. It is intended only for adults ages 18 to 64 as a sleep aid.
Important: Recharge is a compounded medication. Although its ingredients have been FDA-approved for other uses, Recharge itself is NOT FDA-approved and has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality for any use.
- Ramelteon is a prescription medication that works like melatonin to help you fall asleep. It is FDAapproved for treating insomnia (difficulty falling asleep).
- Doxylamine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that causes drowsiness. It is FDA-approved for occasional sleeplessness and allergy symptoms.
- Valerian root is an herbal supplement included to support relaxation and sleep.
Note: This summary does not contain all possible safety information. It is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
Who Should NOT Take Recharge
Do not take Recharge if you:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/throat or difficulty breathing) to ramelteon, doxylamine, other antihistamines, or valerian root
- Are taking fluvoxamine (Luvox)—this antidepressant significantly increases ramelteon levels in your body
- Have taken MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) within the past 14 days
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have severe liver disease
- Have severe sleep apnea
Important Warnings
Drowsiness and Impairment
DO NOT drive, operate machinery, or perform activities requiring full alertness after taking Recharge.
- This medication is designed to make you drowsy—take it only when you can get a full night's sleep.
- Drowsiness may continue into the next day.
Alcohol and Sedatives
- Do NOT drink alcohol while taking Recharge—it increases drowsiness and impairment.
- Do NOT combine with other sedatives, sleep aids, antihistamines, or opioid pain medications without talking to your doctor.
Complex Sleep Behaviors
- In rare cases, sleep medications can cause unusual behaviors while you are not fully awake, such as:
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep-driving
- Making phone calls or eating while asleep
- Not remembering these activities
- Stop taking Recharge and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these behaviors
Mental Health Effects
- Recharge may cause abnormal thinking, behavior changes, or hallucinations.
- Depression may worsen, and suicidal thoughts may occur in some patients.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mood changes, unusual thoughts, or worsening depression
Severe Allergic Reactions
- In rare cases, ramelteon can cause severe allergic reactions including swelling of the face, tongue, or throat (angioedema) and difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
- Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- Do not take Recharge again if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it
Hormone Effects
- Ramelteon may affect hormone levels, including decreased testosterone and increased prolactin.
- Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about reproductive health.
Other Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Recharge if you have:
- Liver problems (not recommended for severe liver disease; use with caution for moderate liver problems)
- Glaucoma or eye pressure problems
- An enlarged prostate or trouble urinating
- Stomach ulcers or digestive blockages
- Breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
- Sleep apnea
- A history of depression or mental health conditions
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially:
Medication Type
Concern
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Do not use together—significantly increases ramelteon levels
Medications that lower seizure threshold
Increased seizure risk with bupropion
MAO inhibitors
Do not use together if taken within 14 days
Other sleep aids or antihistamines
Increased drowsiness; do not combine
Alcohol
Do not use together—dangerous increase in drowsiness and impairment
Opioid pain medications
Increased drowsiness
Sedatives or tranquilizers
Increased drowsiness
Certain antidepressants
May increase drowsiness or other effects
Ketoconazole, fluconazole (antifungals)
May increase ramelteon levels—use with caution
Rifampin
May decrease ramelteon effectiveness
Donepezil (Alzheimer's medication)
May increase ramelteon levels—use with caution
Doxepin
May increase ramelteon levels—use with caution
Other antihistamines or anticholinergic drugs
May increase side effects like dry mouth, constipation, urinary difficulties
Common Side Effects
From Ramelteon:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Worsened insomnia (in some cases)
From Doxylamine:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Headache
- Nausea or upset stomach
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Agitation or unusual excitement
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, hives)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye pain or vision changes (may indicate glaucoma)
- Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression
- Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving, etc.)
Special Populations
This medication is NOT for:
- Anyone under 18 years old
- Anyone 65 years or older (increased risk of confusion, falls, and side effects)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (can cause harm to babies)
Use with caution if you have:
- Moderate liver problems: Use with caution; not recommended for severe liver disease
- Severe sleep apnea: Not recommended
Older adults (65+):
- Recharge is not intended for adults over 64 years of age due to increased risk of confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and falls from the antihistamine component.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any serious or unexpected side effects, report them to the FDA:
- Phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
- Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch
For complete prescribing information on the individual ingredients, see:
- Ramelteon (Rozerem®): FDA Label