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According to a new study conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rozerem (ramelteon), a new sleeping medication recently approved for the treatment of insomnia is not likely to cause dependence or abuse.

Because of concerns about mental confusion and becoming dependent, "physicians and patients alike are often wary of using sleeping medications," Dr. Roland R. Griffiths told Reuters Health. "Our study found no evidence of potential for abuse or impairing effects of ramelteon up to 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose."

In addition, ramelteon showed no significant effects of cognition or movement control and no apparent potential for abuse. The results of the clinical study was published in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

Rozerem is marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.

Read the full report from Reuters.