Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Montelukast Mental Health Warning Still Largely Overlooked By Psychiatrists

Montelukast Mental Health Warning Still Largely Overlooked by Psychiatrists

<span>Montelukast</span>, a widely prescribed medication for asthma and allergies, may cause significant psychiatric side effects that remain underdiagnosed and underreported, according to researchers.

The researchers, from the University of California, Davis in the US, and Curtin University in Australia, said many psychiatrists are still unaware of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) black-box warning on the drug's mental health risks.

In 2020, the FDA had required a black-box warning for montelukast, citing the risk of serious behavior and mood-related changes, including suicidal thoughts or actions.

<h2>Neuropsychiatric Side Effects More Common</h2>

Writing in Psychiatry Online, the researchers said that estimates of montelukast-related neuropsychiatric events range from 5.9% to 62%.

Reported psychiatric side effects include:

<ul><li>Aggression</li><li><span rel="noindex">Anxiety</span></li><li><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">Depression</a></span></li><li>Suicidal thoughts and behavior</li></ul>

Symptoms may appear soon after starting the medication, after prolonged use, or even following its withdrawal.

The researchers noted that children appear to be disproportionately affected, partly because montelukast is available as a chewable tablet that is easier for young children to take than inhaled medications.

Citing a 2016 study, they wrote that completed suicides were reported more frequently among children than among adolescents or the overall population.

Behavioral changes in children may also be mistaken for normal developmental phases, delaying recognition of a possible drug-related cause.

The researchers also highlighted testimony presented at a 2022 US National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) meeting, where a parent described severe behavioral changes in her three-year-old son after taking montelukast. 

Many parents at the meeting said they only discovered the possible link between the medication and psychiatric symptoms by chance, despite consulting multiple healthcare providers.

Researchers said patients and clinicians frequently fail to connect psychiatric symptoms with montelukast because there is no obvious reason to suspect the medication.

They also argued that inadequate communication from drug manufacturers and health regulators has contributed to low awareness, despite safety warnings issued in several countries.

They cautioned that abruptly stopping montelukast may also worsen psychiatric symptoms, making clinical evaluation essential.

The researchers recommend that psychiatrists consider montelukast as a possible cause when psychiatric symptoms develop after the medication is started.

If a link is suspected, psychiatrists should coordinate with the patient's primary care physician to discuss alternative treatments for asthma or allergies and monitor whether psychiatric symptoms improve.

<ul><li>Consider montelukast use during emergency assessments for suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.</li><li>Monitor hospitalized patients who begin montelukast for newly emerging depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.</li></ul>

The FDA states that montelukast prescribing information already includes warnings about mental health side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions. However, it notes that many healthcare professionals and patients remain unaware of these risks.

<ul><li>For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), montelukast should be reserved for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other allergy medications.</li><li>For asthma, healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risk of mental health side effects before prescribing the drug.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

montelukast-mental-health-warning-still-largely-overlooked-by-psychiatrists

Montelukast

Montelukast Mental Health Warning

psychiatric effects of montelukast

Anxiety

Depression

fampridine-nhs-england-rolls-out-first-multiple-sclerosis-drug-to-improve-walking

Fampridine: NHS England Rolls Out First Multiple Sclerosis Drug To Improve Walking

could-low-self-esteem-fuel-social-anxiety-among-medical-students-new-study-finds-link

Could Low Self-Esteem Fuel Social Anxiety Among Medical Students? New Study Finds Link

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Montelukast, a widely prescribed medication for asthma and allergies, may cause significant psychiatric side effects that remain underdiagnosed and underreported, according to researchers. The researchers, from the University of California, Davis in the US, and Curtin University in Australia, said many psychiatrists are still unaware of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) black-box warning on the drug's mental health risks.In 2020, the FDA had required a black-box warning for montelukast, citing the risk of serious behavior and mood-related changes, including suicidal thoughts or actions.Neuropsychiatric Side Effects More CommonWriting in Psychiatry Online, the researchers said that estimates of montelukast-related neuropsychiatric events range from 5.9% to 62%.Reported psychiatric side effects include:AggressionAnxietyDepressionSuicidal thoughts and behaviorSymptoms may appear soon after starting the medication, after prolonged use, or even following its withdrawal.Children at Greater RiskThe researchers noted that children appear to be disproportionately affected, partly because montelukast is available as a chewable tablet that is easier for young children to take than inhaled medications.Citing a 2016 study, they wrote that completed suicides were reported more frequently among children than among adolescents or the overall population.Behavioral changes in children may also be mistaken for normal developmental phases, delaying recognition of a possible drug-related cause.The researchers also highlighted testimony presented at a 2022 US National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) meeting, where a parent described severe behavioral changes in her three-year-old son after taking montelukast. Many parents at the meeting said they only discovered the possible link between the medication and psychiatric symptoms by chance, despite consulting multiple healthcare providers.Why the Link Is Often MissedResearchers said patients and clinicians frequently fail to connect psychiatric symptoms with montelukast because there is no obvious reason to suspect the medication.They also argued that inadequate communication from drug manufacturers and health regulators has contributed to low awareness, despite safety warnings issued in several countries.They cautioned that abruptly stopping montelukast may also worsen psychiatric symptoms, making clinical evaluation essential.What Psychiatrists Can DoThe researchers recommend that psychiatrists consider montelukast as a possible cause when psychiatric symptoms develop after the medication is started.If a link is suspected, psychiatrists should coordinate with the patient's primary care physician to discuss alternative treatments for asthma or allergies and monitor whether psychiatric symptoms improve.They also advise clinicians to:Consider montelukast use during emergency assessments for suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.Monitor hospitalized patients who begin montelukast for newly emerging depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.What the FDA SaysThe FDA states that montelukast prescribing information already includes warnings about mental health side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions. However, it notes that many healthcare professionals and patients remain unaware of these risks.The agency advises that:For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), montelukast should be reserved for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other allergy medications.For asthma, healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risk of mental health side effects before prescribing the drug.

montelukast mental health warning still largely overlooked by psychiatrists

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Montelukast Mental Health Warning Still Largely Overlooked By Psychiatrists

Fampridine: NHS England Rolls Out First Multiple Sclerosis Drug To Improve Walking

Could Low Self-Esteem Fuel Social Anxiety Among Medical Students? New Study Finds Link

Researchers Question WHO's Push For Traditional Medicine; Say Health Body Is Lowering The Bar For Evidence

Health Conditions A-Z

Montelukast Mental Health Warning Still Largely Overlooked By Psychiatrists

Fampridine: NHS England Rolls Out First Multiple Sclerosis Drug To Improve Walking

Could Low Self-Esteem Fuel Social Anxiety Among Medical Students? New Study Finds Link