This popular asthma medication may be linked to side effects related to mental health and suicides.

In recent years, the medication Singulair, known for its effectiveness in treating asthma, has begun to come under increasing scrutiny due to the possible link between its active ingredient, montelukast, and adverse effects on patients' mental health. Since its launch in 1998, Singulair promised to be a more convenient alternative to traditional inhalers, but recent research has uncovered an alarming concern: the medication may be linked to suicidal tendencies and other serious mental health issues.

A scientific study reviewed by the Reuters news agency has indicated that montelukast binds to several brain receptors that regulate essential functions such as mood and impulse control. This finding suggests that the medication could significantly affect the mental health of some users, leading to episodes ranging from severe insomnia to suicidal thoughts. The warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 about the neuropsychiatric risks associated with this drug has added more weight to these concerns.

The FDA has documented a total of 82 suicides related to montelukast and its generic versions since its introduction to the market, of which at least 31 involved individuals aged 19 or younger. These data are devastating and highlight the need for a deeper analysis of the safety of this medication, which continues to be widely prescribed to millions of people, including children.

Robert England, a father who lost his 22-year-old son in 2017, has shared his heartbreaking experience with the medication. His son, who had been healthy before starting treatment with montelukast, took his own life less than two weeks after beginning the medication. England has revealed how his son, who had been struggling to sleep, underwent a drastic change in behavior that ended in a family tragedy. “He took that medication for a few days, literally just a few days. It completely changed the trajectory of our lives,” stated the devastated father.

Despite these chilling reports, Merck & Co, the company behind the medication, has maintained a defensive stance, asserting that it trusts the safety profile of montelukast. In a statement, the company emphasized that the product label includes information about the benefits and potential risks, although many critics argue that this information may not be sufficient to warn patients about the serious side effects that may arise.

The debate surrounding Singulair has begun to attract the attention of the medical and scientific community, who are calling for a more rigorous examination of the data and greater emphasis on communicating the associated risks to patients. Experts are urging doctors to be more cautious when prescribing this medication and to consider alternatives, especially in vulnerable populations such as children.

The findings of current research on montelukast serve as a reminder that, although a medication may be popular and widely used, it is not always safe. This particular case underscores the importance of healthcare professionals continuously monitoring the side effects of medications and carefully assessing the balance between benefits and risks.

The community of patients and families affected by these tragedies is calling for more visibility on the issue and a change in how the risks associated with the use of Singulair are communicated. Additionally, research must be prioritized to fully understand the relationship between montelukast and mental health.

In a world where access to medications to treat chronic diseases like asthma is essential, the safety of these treatments should be equally prioritized. Patients deserve to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and it is the responsibility of the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to ensure that this is possible. The lingering question is whether the necessary changes will be implemented in time to prevent further tragedies in the future.