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My eight year old son was diagnosed with mild asthma by our GP an...

Posted at 12:53 AM on Jul 12, 2009 by overwhelmed, #42942
My eight year old son was diagnosed with mild asthma by our GP and was taking Ventolin for a persistent cough. When this didn't relieve the cough the doctor prescribed Singulair. He started the Singulair in March 2009 and within 2 months we realized that his personality had dramatically changed. It has taken us a while to figure out what was going on because eight year old boys are starting to assert themselves more and I think the side effects have been escalating over the last month. He was angry most of the time, very hateful towards his siblings, saying very dark, nasty, hurtful things. He argued every time we asked him to do something and would snap into a screaming inconsolable emotional wreck at the drop of a hat many times a day over trivial or imagined problems. He was having nightmares and bursts of hyperactivity that were overwhelming. He told us he felt frustrated all the time and hated everything. When we tried to calm him he was unreachable. Just yesterday he had his fist clenched and pulled back ready to punch me when I was trying to help him with a computer problem. He was shaking and his face was contorted with rage and he just wasn't my little boy anymore. It has been devastating for our family and we were ready to take him to a psychologist. He is normally an incredibly considerate, perceptive, loving child, highly intelligent, helpful and fun loving with a great sense of humor. He has also complained of leg pains and has been wetting the bed again. It was only yesterday that I began reading about other people's side effects and have taken him off Singulair as of last night. Whilst he has still been argumentative today already the aggressive intensity seems to be easing. I am absolutely mortified that I allowed this to happen to my son and my family and I am so grateful to others for sharing their experiences. We still need to address his asthma and will make an appointment with a specialist next week, but given his asthma is so mild he should not have ever had to suffer these side effects. I only hope now that he has not sustained any long term effects and that his younger brother has not been scarred by the truly horrible things that my son has said to him.
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Reply 4 months ago on Jul 12, 2009 by kate2, #21412

I am so happy you made the connection to Singulair,please take the time to report the side effects to the FDA.You can do so by visiting the site www.parentsforsafety.org I lost my son to suicide while he was taking Singulair and we are trying as agroup to get this drug Black Boxed for the safety of all children. Good Luck andThanks Kate

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Reply 4 months ago on Jul 12, 2009 by pum_kin_eatter, #21425

I am so gratefull that you have realized the awful effects of this medication and wish you and your family did not have to go through this horible experience. I can testify on your behalf as our son had the same symptoms, and our son is 13 years old son. Our son recovered mentaly after many sessions with a psycologist. But he is still having problems with stomach ulcers and his hyetal hernia. Please most your symptoms on the FDA website. It is a unfriendly website but be persistent as you will be helping others. Listen to Kate who resonded to your post as well, she is very helpful and informed.

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Reply 3 months ago on Jul 27, 2009 by marisa1therapist, #21847

Wow! I just read your post, and your son sounds a lot like my 8 year old son. I only thougt to look up the side effects of Singulair for children when a client of mine mentionned to me that she took her child off of it because of mood swings. My son has been on Singulair for over a year, maybe even two years. I NEVER noticed all these side effects listed on the package! Anyway, he has been very moody, and this seems to be worsening since his dose was increased. Lately he has been saying he "doesn't like his life at all." He cries and screams over minor issues. He had been a very laid back baby and toddler, but after reading all these posts, I am beginning to wonder if his change in demeanor is related to the Singulair. He also complains of leg pains, and many nights has asked for a heating pad to place under his legs. I also told him it was growing pains, as I had these when I was little.
Have you noticed any difference in your son since you stopped the Singulair? My fear is that he will start having trouble with his asthma if we stop it. But an improvement in attitude and mood would be GREAT!
David's mom

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Reply 2 months ago on Sep 15, 2009 by pmertensotto, #22991

I am just reading these postings and am horrified that this might be exactly what we have going on with our son!! And relieved too! Can you tell me how you weaned off the Singulair or did you just stop cold turkey? And how is your child doing?

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