Efficiency and safety of melatonin receptor agonist for treatment of nocturia

Purpose: We examined the efficacy of ramelteon for patients with insomnia and nocturia. Methods: Thirteen patients above the age of 50 years who were experiencing both insomnia and two or more nocturnal voids were included in the study. Patients who had polyuria of over 3,000 ml and post residual urine of over 100 ml were excluded. The patients were treated with ramelteon 8 mg for twelve weeks and the degree of lower urinary tract symptoms and sleep disorder was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the N-QOL score at pre-treatment, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: The mean IPSS score improved significantly from 15.7 ± 1.4 at baseline to 12.8 ± 3.1 at twelve weeks. The subject scores for the number of nocturnal voids also decreased significantly from 3.4 ± 0.2 to 2.5 ± 0.3. N-QOL score also improved significantly from 58.3 ± 12.4 to 68.8 ± 14.1. Conclusions: Ramelteon reduces both nocturia and disturbed sleep in patients with insomnia and nocturia.