Singulair and merck

my grand child is almost 3 year old , he has been on singulair candy for almost 6 month , what we noticed is a noticeable change in his behavior in the form of nervousness , he turned cranky , recently his teacher reported that he is not him as before , his appetite in that good as before , he became nagging while he was a sweet child before singulair .

I am starting to think I would like to be a part of a class action law suit, my daughter had to switch schools because of her mood swings, and vague hallucinations. and vague paranoia. She once ran into a parking lot she was so afraid of needles! Took her to a psychiatrist, sensed she was quick to put her on mood stabilizers and left before the eval. Recently her ped refused to up her dose of singulair and told me about depression. I subsequently upped her flovent and took her off her singulair. I did this after I heard her teacher saqy she kept on leaving the classroom to go to the nurse, and was exhibiting defiant behavior. and saying she was depressed, hearing music that wasn't there, etc. Now that shye has been off of it a week, she is a different child, and hasn't argued with me once. Hasn't cried for 5 days. has not argued w2ith her brother either! I feel I have the child back from 5 years ago when she started taking it! unfrigging believable! I would love to sue, because these episodes have almost ruined my marriage, and caused me to miss many days of work, and feel guilty when I didn't Thank-God I just took her off of it on a whim!

FYI: As of Friday, October 2, The website of the Merck sponsored Time 2 Talk Asthma education campaign no longer links to Singulair's website and coupon.

FYI: "Supernanny" Jo Frost and asthma advocacy organization AANMA have partnered in an asthma education campaign sponsored by Merck called Time 2 Talk Asthma. The website links to Singulair's website, which offers a coupon.

My allergies caused nearly constant painful sinus pressure, drippy nose (I should have bought stock in Kleenex to profit from my box-a-day use), asthma, getting gradually worse all the time--it was as though I'd had the flu for 10 years (I'm 54). I was taking Claritin in the morning and Zyrtec at night, which only toned down the most severe symptoms. I was on Prilosec as well, as one doctor though acid-reflux might exacerbate the asthma. My family and I are avid hikers, but I haven't been able to breathe well enough to join them for years, even with daily Ventolin and Flovent. I've only been taking Singulair for two weeks, but it has made all the difference. I feel "normal" instead of sick for the first time in a long time. So, for me, it does work. But my stomach's been killing me--like a bleeding ulcer (which I had 25 years ago). I'm hoping that will subside or going back on Prilosec (expensive!) will counteract it. I've also had the weirdest dreams--very vivid and disturbing. Because I did research online before taking Singulair (Doctor uttered not one syllable about side effects), I recognize the dreams are from the Singulair. Because I understand what is causing them, I can easily set them aside when I wake up. I think anyone who's had mental or emotion problems could be sent over the edge by the dreams unless they had a clear understanding and acceptance that the allergy drug caused them. I would be easy to think something was wrong with you to dream such bizarre, violent stuff. (I'd give examples, but I've truly trained myself to forget all about the dreams as soon as I wake us, so I don't remember the dream events now.) I'm quite concerned about children taking this drug. Maybe not everyone has this disturbing-dream side effect, but how could you explain them away to a four-year old? How would you even know if a younger child was having them? Even children old enough to comprehend shouldn't be subjected to horrific mental images, like the 16 year old above. A tip for people who Singulair helps, but they have the weird dreams--try Melatonin (over-the-counter supplement) at bedtime. I've used it to help me sleep in the past when life events kept my mind too active to sleep for several days at a time. Unlike sleeping pills, it doesn't make your tired the next day, you can wake up easily, and it's not habit-forming--it just lets you drift off on days you otherwise can't. Since I'm concerned about the long-term effects of anything taken frequently, I don't take Melatonin very often, but I did try it after the fourth day of Singulair dreams. I had no memory of weird dreams when I woke up, so it seemed to work, and I didn't remember dreaming the next night either. I only tried it that one day because, as I said, I've trained myself to not be bothered by the dreams.

Our son, who is now 6 was prescribed Singulair at the age of 3 due to asthma/allergies. He was prescribed this by an ENT/Allergist. I thought our sons mood swings were due to the fact that we were expecting another child. He was always so happy/loving and playful. When the baby arrived 2 months later, his behavior worsened. Again, I put it on the new baby sister in the house. His moods/anger/outbursts increased. He hit, threw things etc. I told the doc about this and he said it was due to his enlarged tonsils, and they were then removed. Well needless to say, his behavior did not change because he was still on the Singulair. I mentioned the possible side effects to his pediatrician and she said it was a possibility, but to keep him on it because he needed it. Well, 3 years later, in March of this year I took him to an allergist that I had seen years ago. He immediately took him off the singulair (and all inhalers). His moods seemed to brighten a bit, but not they are worsening again. Is it possible for the Singulair to have long term damaging effects. I understand kids have tantrums, etc. Kids are kids, I get that. But he punches, kicks, screams, cries etc. My husband are at a loss. We don't know what to do. Oh, and he is now on Veramyst as needed (march-june, Aug-Oct.). Has anyone else experienced long term effects due to Singulair?

My 11 year old son started singular in March of 2009 for exercise induced asthma. Within weeks he started having symptoms of heartburn - which he had never had before. I brought him back into the dr. mid June- they said wasn't related to singulair and actually increased his does from 5 mg to 10 mg. Since increasing his does, he started experiencing, daily headaches, stomach pain, leg cramps, night sweats w/ shaking & overall FEAR. Last night he was in tears - he kept saying there is something seriously wrong with me - I can't stand feeling this way he was afraid he was going to die and didn't want to go to sleep.

Last night I did my own research and found this board. THANK GOD!
He didn't take his singulair last night & he never will again.

I called his dr. this morning to tell them I think he is having negative side effects from singulair. They actually told he it was "HIGHLY UNLIKELY" his symptoms were related to singulair and NOT TO STOP USING IT. They instead said I should start giving him pepcid. I told them he had stopped it - for good and that we need a plan B for is exercise induced asthma. Looks like my plan B is finding a new Dr. that isn't in bed with Merck.

Has anyone had any experience with a NATURAL approch to controlling exercise induced asthma?

I am so thankful that our MANY voices are finally being heard I am grateful that the FDA is finally forcing MERCK to add a warning to its label, but we must still keep fighting until there is a blackbox warning on this medication. My daughter committed suicide after three years of hell on this medication. The world has lost a beautiful, fun, and highly intelligent young woman because MERCK is so concerned about its billions of dollars in sales from Singulair.

If you have had any side effects PLEASE REPORT TO THE FDA! It is up to us to make them aware of how devastating this medication can be.

As i read some of the news reports on the new FDA comments,i see we are referred to as a handful of reports,the very words handful conjure up a picture of 10 not the thousands that there actually are.Also i noted missing from the news reports was ,that this drug is largely given to children,as young as 6 months,not for 10 days or 2 weeks but everyday,for as long as they need it.i know myself trying to convince my doctor,that my sons depression,insomnia and anxiety,came from this drug was impossible,so i fired him.I am wishing the best to everyone that has suffered,and ask all to please report your adverse effects to the FDA

From the FDA's "Updated Information on Leukotriene Inhibitors: Montelukast (marketed as Singulair), Zafirlukast (marketed as Accolate), and Zileuton (marketed as Zyflo and Zyflo CR)"

6/12/2009

Neuropsychiatric events have been reported in some patients taking montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo and Zyflo CR). FDA has requested that manufacturers include a precaution in the drug prescribing information (drug labeling).

Montelukast is used to treat asthma, and the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose), and to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Zafirlukast and zileuton are used to treat asthma.

The reported neuropsychiatric events include postmarket cases of agitation, aggression, anxiousness, dream abnormalities and hallucinations, depression, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, suicidal thinking and behavior (including suicide), and tremor.

This information reflects FDA’s current analysis of available data concerning this drug.

Advice to patients and healthcare professionals:

Patients and healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for neuropsychiatric events with these medications.

Patients should talk with their healthcare providers if these events occur.

Healthcare professionals should consider discontinuing these medications if patients develop neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Background

In April 2009, FDA completed its review of neuropsychiatric events, (mood and behavioral changes) possibly related to drugs that act through the leukotriene pathway (montelukast, zafirlukast, zileuton). As part of its review, FDA reviewed post-marketing reports and also requested that manufacturers submit all available clinical trial data for these products.

The post-market reports of patients on these medications included cases of neuropsychiatric events. Some reports included clinical details consistent with a drug-induced effect. In the clinical trial data submitted by manufacturers, neuropsychiatric events were not commonly observed. However, the available data were limited because the trials were not designed to look for neuropsychiatric events. Sleep disorders (primarily insomnia) were reported more frequently with all three products compared to placebo.

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My son was on singular about 4 years ago and i thought i noticed irratability, lack of interest and depression, but he was only 4 1/2 at that time and i couldn't tell. It did relieve his allergy symptoms. We took him off at that time. Now, again put him back on it this past year (he is now 9 years old) and i see again a lack of interest, depression, mood swings, irritability and his teacher just told us that as this year has increased he has changed in his school work as well. As of last night we will be taking him off of this medication for good and will continue to manage his seasonal allergies with an emergency inhaler and zyrtec/claritin type meds. He is sluggish on the baseball field and not as alert (he unusually a natural athlete!) and he seems depressed and withdrawn - which is not his personality. I thought maybe because he was getting older he was changing but now I realize it is again the medication. It is okay for a week or two to get through a cold or high allergy week, but long term I will not have him on this any longer and wish that Merck would make the long term effects clearer to the doctors, patients and public in general. We are fortunate that his allergy symptoms are not as severe as other children and we can go lightly on medications.

Last Tuesday, my son was prescribed Singulair by our pediatrician. He was also prescribed Pulmicort by nebulizer at the same time. Within a couple of days, I was noticing a dramatic change in his personality. He's only 21 months old and normally a very happy, lovable, easygoing little boy. He did a complete 360. By Friday, I had to take a day off from work, as I was too scared to send him to daycare. He took his last Singulair chewable tablet on Friday night. Saturday was his worst day by far. I was in shock by his behavior. He was extremely aggressive, punching and slapping anyone who came near him, he was throwing things, throwing himself into walls, etc, just completely out of control. I contemplated even taking him to the hospital, but then started doing some research online. I had my mother contact a pharmacist whom we trust, who advised for us to stop the Singulair, as if he was having any side effect, it would more than likely be from that. On Sunday, I started to see some changes in him. Yesterday he was getting back to normal. Today, he's that much better. We actually went back to the pediatrician this morning and I'm actually thinking of filing a formal complaint against the dr. as he basically swore up and down that his side effects weren't from the Singulair. Well as a parent, does anyone really think I'd want to put my child thru this?? It may be different if he had behavioral issues prior to this, but this came completely from left field. I am beyond upset right now, pissed off that this drug can be on the market. How many children have to be affected??? This is very scary to me. My son was only on Singulair 4 days, and I feel guilty and angry that he had to go through even that short period of time on the drug. And then to have a pediatrician basically discount me and say that it has nothing to do with singulair is a complete slap in the face! I won't stop speaking out against this drug and hopefully it will inform other parents of these harmful consequences!!!!

We all need to report these problems to the FDA. I filled out my report in about 5 minutes. There is also a number for Merck, I couldn't find an e-mail address. To report an adverse experience with a specific Merck product, please call the Merck National Service Center at 800-444-2080. Don't you wish that someone would have spoken up before our kids had to experience these side effects? Let's spare some other kids, fill out the form, it's worth your time.

My son is 5 years old and has been on Singulair for 2 years. I am so relieved to find this website after seeing a report about Singular on the local news.
Just the other day I was telling my husband how much it bothers me that our son is not very affectionate. We also have a 3 year old who hugs, laughs and plays like a normal child should. My son, on the other hand, is very rigid if you try to hug him, very serious if you try to joke, and VERY, VERY emotional when I leave him anywhere...as if I'll never return! I don't know how many mornings I've left day care in tears. I always thought to myself "What are we doing wrong?" "Why would he think we weren't coming back?" He is also very moody and argumentative. He reminds me of a very stressed out businessman in his late 50's. Not to mention the leg pains and the nightmares...we have always chalked it all up to "normal" things kids go through. Now that I have read all of the postings on this page I know there is hope. None of us want our children to be unhappy. Thanks for informing me...we are stopping Singulair Immediately!!

i am really glad i found this site, and got to really understand what may be my problem. its the SINGULAIR, i really believe. i will share my story so no one has to go through what i have been going through. (i just stopped my medicine a day or two ago, so i will repost and see if i start seeing changes in my behavior) well first off i am 19, and i started taking singulair when i was a senior in high school, so about 2 years ago. i didn't see any noticeable changes for awhile, except for probably a year now, a little more or a little less. for this whole time, i have not been sleeping, i wake up 3-4 times a night, fully awake and can never fall back asleep for hours. its almost like my body tries shutting down, but my brain never does, i have the craziest dreams, most of them are me suffocating or not getting enough air, which are really scary. I have been having really bad anxiety, panic attacks, basically i have been just feeling like i am going to die every second of the day. the feeling of being trapt inside my own body. it seems like every month it just gets worse and worse. i cant focus, i don't go to school, i don't work, and i believe its from the side effects of this medicine. i also always feel so tired, and so weak, i cant even look through a clothes rack without my arm aching. i have been having a hard time breathing, which is odd seeing its supposed to help me breathe, i have been sick at least once a month, through this whole time i have been going to my Dr. at least twice a month or more, telling her my symptoms, i even went in their one day crying i was so scared. and she just kept telling me, its probably all in your head, this, that and the other. she even put me on probably 10 different medicines trying to see which one would help. and of course none of them helped anything. I started thinking, and feeling like i was going crazy, what was wrong with me? i wondered constantly. For a couple months now, i figured i had to take it into my own hands to figure out what was wrong, seeing this Dr. doesn't seem to understand me. I looked up every disease or problem imaginable, and had blood tests done, but every thing came back normal. i didn't understand what was going on, every month i just feel worse and worse, lately i have been telling my mom i just want to die, that i cant keep living my life this way, of course i would not do this for the fact that i couldn't do that to my mom or my little sister, or anyone, but it feels like it would be easier then dealing with everything i have been. along with everything else i was/am feeling, i also feel a lot of hate toward myself, i feel like i am not good at anything, and i feel very ugly, sometime i don't even want to leave my house, because i just feel disgusting. Finally, a couple days ago, my little sister which is 10 and really smart i may add, was watching TV and they happened to have a commercial for SINGULAIR. she told me that everything i have been saying that was wrong with me (she hears me complaining a lot about all my problems to my mom) were all the side effects from SINGULAIR. of course i wanted to know more about this even though i have taken this medicine for awhile without any of these problems, i started researching and realized that all of my symptoms happened to be the side effects from singulair. and then i started reading other peoples stories about it, and about linking it to suicides and everything. i told my mom and i told her i wanted to stop the medicine right away, at least just to see if this is what it was all along. i haven't taken it for 3 days now i believe, and i already see a difference, i actually get tired now instead of staying up reading till 5 in the morning, and i haven't been waking up at all during the night. i am pretty angry that my dr. couldn't figure this out, or at least maybe even think about it. for awhile i thought i was honestly going crazy, i lived in fear for so long that something was extremely wrong with me, that i haven't lived my life the way i should of, or wanted to. i never thought that it was just the EXTREME side effects of this medicine. i am so thankful for my little sister listening to all my complaints and all my anger toward myself, and actually putting it together that it would be my medicine that was supposed to make my asthma better. as i said its only been a couple days and i already feel better, i will repost to tell you if im back to my "normal" self after being off this medicine for a longer period of time. i feel so grateful for my little sister, who would have guessed she would tell me what a Dr. couldn't even think about. i really feel that if i get back to my normal self, i really have her to thank for saving my life. <3

BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ!! TAKE YOUR CHILDREN OFF THIS POISON. 3 yrs ago my 7yr old was on this for 6 months. The "bad thoughts" were terrifying this wonderful boy and changed him drastically and FAST. We took him off this and he immediately improved but the emotional harm this garbage did to him still lingers (anxiety mostly). This is so unfair. Is there nothing we can do to warn other parents except for this? I can't believe I let this happen to my beautiful boy.

Thanks for sharing your stories.

Need anyone say anymore!!! I am baffled at the comments made and relieved I felt the need to research this. My daughter is 4 years old and was prescribed Singulair a year ago for allergies and chronic respiratory problems due to undiagnosed (for a month) RSV at 6 mos. old. I put her on it (age 3) and something just wasn't right, cranky, crying, moody when normally she was not that way, so I took her off of it. 7 days ago she was having trouble breathing and at our urgent care visit the Doctor told us to start taking the Singulair again. I explained to him then that I felt it made her moody and depressed. He told me it doesn't take effect for at least a month. Stupid me, the Doctor knows better right?! WRONG!!!! Who knows our children better than we do?! She has taken 5 pills and I have a child that is all of the sudden having nightmares, acid reflux, DEPRESSION, crying spouts that she can't stop. WARNING....do not give your child this medicine...I am sick I gave it to her again and grateful it has only been a week. Hopefully these symptoms will disappear quickly.

I have been taking Singulair for runny nose due to allergies. I never associated things I was experiencing with this drug as my MD said there were no side effects, I have experienced weird vivid dreams, depression, hair loss, leg cramps, feeling tired all the time. Singulair has not helped my runny nose. I can't believe how many infants and children take this drug.

I have not heard what the FDA's findings were regarding their recent investigation. I think it is an outrage that so many people have suffered from this drug. My 4 year old child too was a victim of this nasty drug. No child especially young children should have to suffer. My doctor had no clue as with the pharmacist that singulair changed their pamphlets. It just inferiorates me. Merck stated that they were committed to safety and had communicated that information of changing the pamplets. Funny how so many doctors missed that!

Researchers have been doing studies for many years regarding trying to determine the role of genetic factors in patients response to Singulair (Montelukast).

This study from Spain identified the following gene variations hypothesize to be related to leukotriene pathway response. Sixty one patients with asthma were studied. Three gene types were identified:

type 1. Thirty-two patients (52.5%) were homozygous for the five repeats allele;
type 2. 17 (27.9%) were heterozygous (4/5 repeats)
type 3. 12 (19.7%) were homozygous for 4/4 repeats.

The study showed that montelukast was effective for types 1 and 2 but not effective for type 3. Type 3 represented approximately 20% of the group study.

"After the montelukast treatment decrease number of asthma exacerbations, improvement of FEV(1) and decreased use of beta(2) agonists was observed in patients with 5/5 or 4/5 repeats. Conversely, the patients with 4/4 repeats genotype did not modify these data after treatment."

So it seems logical that if it can be identified that montelukast is not effective for certain gene type variations, then montelukast could cause adverse side effects in certain gene type variations.

It is interesting that 20% of this group does not respond positively to montelukast. That is the exact same number that even Merck says gets a headache from montelukast. Headache is the highest incidence of adverse side effects that has been reported. That comparison, however, is just a coincidence because it has not been studied and proven. Maybe.

Where are the studies that pertain to gene type variations and adverse side effects? You would think that somebody could do them.

Respir Med. 2008 Jun;102(6):857-61. Epub 2008 Mar 12. Links
ALOX5 promoter genotype and response to montelukast in moderate persistent asthma.Telleria JJ, Blanco-Quiros A, Varillas D, Armentia A, Fernandez-Carvajal I, Jesus Alonso M, Diez I.
Institute of Biology and Molecular Genetics (IBGM/CSIC), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain. ******

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that asthmatic patients with mutant alleles in the leukotriene pathway should not respond to leukotriene receptor antagonists and the concept of a tailored treatment is increasingly supported. METHODS: Sixty-one patients (mean age 24.9 years, range 14-52) with moderate persistent asthma were clinical and immunological assess prior and after a 6-month treatment with montelukast. Tandem repeat polymorphisms were genotyped in the promoter (-147 to -176) of 5-lipoxygenase gene (ALOX5). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (52.5%) were homozygous for the five repeats allele; 17 (27.9%) were heterozygous (4/5 repeats) and 12 (19.7%) were homozygous for 4/4 repeats. After the montelukast treatment decrease number of asthma exacerbations, improvement of FEV(1) and decreased use of beta(2) agonists was observed in patients with 5/5 or 4/5 repeats. Conversely, the patients with 4/4 repeats genotype did not modify these data after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that ALOX5 promoter polymorphisms have a clear influence in montelukast response in atopic moderate persistent asthma patients. The genetic study could identify those patients most likely to respond to montelukast.

PMID: 18339529

16 days ago on Jan 17, 2009 by chris555, #16131
Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no vested interest in Merck or any other pharmaceutical company for that matter. What I have a vested interest in is providing some balance to those parents who come to this blog site and are scared to death. That is what happened to a very good friend of mine. After reading the posts here, she was so panicked she took her 12 year old off Singulair. A kid who had no problems on it by the way. A few days later my friends kid was rushed to the ER and almost died from an asthma attack. That is what I have a problem with. People here telling others the side effects will creep up, that kids should stop their medication right away, etc.

Reply 8 minutes ago on Feb 03, 2009 by concernedcitizen, #16701
To chris555:

Merck warns on it's Singulair website that Singulair is not an effective replacement for fast acting inhalers in the event of sudden symptoms. Originally when Singulair was developed it's purpose was to prevent damage and inflammation that is caused by excessive number of eosinophils in respiratory tissue. There is no evidence at all that Singulair is effective as the only treatment for asthma to prevent or treat acute asthma attacks. And, Merck makes this very clear in the warning notice.

The efficacy and safety of Singulair has a genetic component. That means that it is entirely possible that some people are not compatible with the way in which Singulair works. Adverse side effects are very possibly the result of compatibility problems.

Sadly, Merck has succumbed to the disease of "corporate greed." Meaning that they care more about profitability and the shareholders than they do about the patients. For this callousness, some day this corporation will suffer the punishment. Merck has always known that the cysLT1 receptor is a gene with more than several variations. If they told doctors to watch out for side effects due to genetic variations, then they wouldn't be able to sell this drug like it's harmless - cherry chewable - candy. The adverse side effects are real. Patients started reporting them immediately when the drug was released. Singulair is dangerous to people with gene variations and it causes unnatural biochemical events to take place.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
SINGULAIR will NOT replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. You should still have rescue medication available and continue to take your other asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to stop.

My son (now 6) was put on Singulair at 8 months old for asthma and has been o it since. He has never had an appetite and is quite underweight. He complains of stomach pains and headaches daily. At age 4 he was sent to a pediatric GI and neurologist and any brain or gastro issues were ruled out. No one could figure out what was wrong. He has sensory issues and just recently was referred to a psychiatrist for occupational therapy. It was at this appointment that it was suggested that the Singulair is responsible and since he has been on it for the majority of his life we were unable to make the connection. He has been off of it for 2 weeks now and has not complained of headaches or stomach pain at all. His eating habits are slightly better, but not great. Hopefully his appetite will improve over time. I wish we had only known sooner. I feel like such a terrible mother!

I'm 43. Started taking Singular about 10 years ago. I think that's when it came out. Over time, I've developed panic attacks, mild depression, mood swings, panic disorder, muscle twitches and cramps, and agoraphobia. I finally slowly took myself off of all medications after doing The Allergy and Asthma Cure - a great book and it helps tremendously!

After being off of the Singular, my symptoms listed started going away. i stay have agoraphobia because that's a learned issue from fear of having a panic attack. All doctors and pharmacists say there's no link. I know lots of adults who have gone through this only to get put on Xanax and antidepressants. Try to go as natural as you can. All of these meds have fried my body. Diet is huge to! I've substituted goat's milk for cow, Try it!

My wife (66) was using salbutamol inhaler for the last 10 years being a bronchial asthmatic. Even prior to that, she was being treated with a combination of theophylline, cortisones . In 2001 she was diagnosed to be suffering from OCD and citalopram 20 mg was prescribed. With significant improvement, the dosage was reduced to citalopram 10 mg, though we lowered the dosage only in December 2007. However, during the last month, when she had to be admitted in the hospital for a stomach virus the doctors prescribed MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10 MG combined with lEVOCETIRIZINE 5 MG. .
Dramatically,montelukast had a dramatic effect in that my wife never used the salbutalmol inhaler for well over 2 months, about which we were very happy.
But the worst was yet to come.
During the last few days, she again showed symptoms of the dreaded OCD once again, and she suffered like anything. On contacting a well known doctor, we were advised to stop MONTELUKAST and asked to continue citalopram (though escitalopram instead of citalopram ) along with clonozepam 5 mg to be tapered down every week for about a month.
I would like to be advised from a doctor whether (a) discontinuance of Montelukast will be able to bring back normalcy from OCD of course with citalopram or escitalopram. and (b) whether montelukast can be abruptly stopped. For the time being, we have reduced the dosage of montelukast from 10 mg to 5 mg.
PLEASE ADVISE US.

To get the real information in regards to what level of research that is going into this investigation is.go to the Institute for Safe medicine practices click on Quarter watch.
To people like chris555, I believe you are engaging people for sport and say very hurtful things,your day will come and it may just be in the unemployment line.I can only imagine that you must work for Merck or you would not feel so threatened by the good that has come from Parents advocating for their childrens safety.I want you to know, that all who knew our family and our child understand what took place and our reasons for trying to get the proper information where it should have been," on the label". When our child died no one knew about all the added side effects from post marketing reports,which is "a reliable way to track a drugs adverse events".Maybe you should do more research on the legitimate information of causal relationship. Don't be so afraid of a possible drop in revenue for the drug company that I believe you might be an employee of.K. M.

I'd like to hear more clarification from the FDA and Merck on the following media statements:
"Merck believes that the data support the continued use of Singulair in appropriate patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis.”
But, the agency also noted that the trials were not designed to examine such behavior, and that the safety review will continue, probably for several more months."
If the trials were not designed to examine psychiatric events what good is the data and why would it take 9 months to rehash submitted data that does not contain appropriate information?
Another statement that needs clarification is, "Merck believes that the data support the continued use of Singulair in appropriate patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis.”
Why such careful wording as "appropriate patients"? That is to suggest that Singulair is "inappropriate" for some, perhaps many people.
Lastly, "We have finished our analyses of all the data the companies submitted," FDA spokeswoman Karen Riley told the Associated Press. "But that doesn't mean we have closed the book on suicidality."
My questions are were there any unsubmitted data and why would they leave the book open unless there were a legitimate reason to?
This is definitely not over and as well it should not be.

I am 34 years old. I am a pharmacy tech. I have asthma and allergies. I have taken singulair pretty much every day since it came out on the market. I've had asthma since i was about 10 years old. I took theophylline as a kid. Steriods on and off especially during times when my allergies are bad. I still use Advair during the fall and spring. Every drug has a side effect. However breathing is pretty good damn thing. Do I have days when I feel low? Yeah. Do I sometimes have nightmares? Yup. Are "natural" products the answer. Not always. The fish oil that some of the posters are touting can also cause GI problems. Some of the natural products contain herbs and other plant derivatives that can be harmful for a child that suffers from allergies. Not proactively treating asthma can be deadly. Some of the parents are suggesting steriods as the answer - those can cause weight gain, growth suppression and can lead to a worsening of asthma.

Singulair has never made me feel like I've wanted to kill myself. I was more depressed and angry as kid when my asthma did not allow me to partipate in normal childhood things. I was sad and hated life when I couldn't keep up with friends at recces because I was having trouble breathing. You have to outweigh the costs with the benefits. I am more irritable when I have asthma flareup then I am on a normal day. For me, I choose to breathe. And singulair has been helping me for almost a decade.

I'm not saying the medication isn't causing these symptoms but maybe there is an underlying cause to your child's depression.

Any drug has a side effect. But without medical research and the medications that come with them - people would still be dying of simple diseases and we wouldn't have vaccinations. As a society, as a whole, we are a culture that looks to someone else to fix things and then blames the people who try to fix it. We need to stop being the "hot McDonald's coffee'" society.

So the FDA spent 9 months studying clinical trial data that was not designed to monitor psychiatric events. That sounds productive.

That's like saying you're going to look for an orange in an apple orchard and spend 9 months doing it.

To clear up any misunderstanding about the FDA Singulair investigation.
FROM THE FDA STATEMENT ABOUT THE SINGULAIR INVESTIGATION

"FDA has not yet reached a definitive conclusion regarding the clinical trial data on mood and behavioral adverse events associated with montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton."

"although (the clinical trial) data do not suggest that montelukast, zafirlukast, or zileuton are associated with suicide or suicidal behavior, these clinical trials were not designed specifically to examine neuropsychiatric events. As a result, some events may not have been reported."

The FDA is continuing to investigate a link between Singulair and suicide .
They stated that they have not "closed the book on suicidality". Any news reports stating there is no conclusive link are incorrect.

I was shocked last night on the news, when they reported that "there is no link between Singulair and suicide". I guess Merck is going to stick their heads in the sand, and let children continue to be harmed by a drug that I feel should never be prescribed to a child in the first place. I'm shocked at how young some of these children are! It makes me sad that Dr.'s, the FDA, and Merck will continue to put profit before the safety of the people being prescribed this drug and having terrible side effects from it...and most Dr.s are not fully aware of!!!!

I'm 24 years old and started taking Singulair for allergies. I'm so grateful that I saw this website because I have been going through similar depressive, hopeless, conditions. I became paranoid and really angry with people. I also yesterday got into fits where I would cry and hit things in my room. Usually if I get into a muck I can get myself out, but this time around I've been caught in it with seemingly no escape. It wasn't until yesterday that I even thought about the new medication I've been taking (I've been on it for 2 weeks).

My three year old daughter was on in as a baby and it was great for her asthma. I stopped it for a year and now she is 3 and has started it again about two weeks. She sleeps at least 12hrs a night and has a nap. This is someone who slept maybe 8hrs a night and never a nap. Actual the sleep is so much its kinda worrying me. I have a hard time even waking her up. What should I do?

I was encourage when i read the post of the lady a few posts down,who picked up her prescription and it was covered in stickers telling her of post market side effects,a long time coming yes ,but it is happening none the less.Several articles on merck have noted flat Singulair sales,due to safety concerns,the word is getting out slowly but surely.I know we have been frustrated with how slow it is all happening,but it is happening.One of our hospitals here in cleveland now will list a doctors affiliation with a pharma company,important news for us that know what the implications of that could mean.We have had an education in the medical system,which quite frankly i found shocking,i don't think any of us will every fill a prescription again with out research,we have learned ,we are not the same,we must continue to change a system that is broken ,the dollar must be secondary to the health of all of us.I again urge all that still have issues to file a report with the fda,Keep on fighting

Oh my gosh. I am on this website because I googled "behavior issues with Singulair" Both of my children are on Singulair. One from as young as 5 months old. Both Pulmonologist, allergist and Internal med Ped. insisted that it was a safe drug. They aren't living with it. My 7 year old has taken it consistently for 5 years and recently upped is having behavior, aggression, insomnia and constant reports back from the teacher on his behavior. We had him psychologically evaluated and they found nothing uncommon to his age. All his issues are described in almost everyone of these side effect threads. I am just afraid to take him off and feel the blame if something serious happens. I am calling tomorrow for possible alternatives.

October 22, 1998 I had resp. failure (with intubation). My new pulmonary doctor put me on Singulair 10 mg once a day, a few weeks after. Within time, I started to have numbing and tingling in my face, arms, and legs. March of 1999 the symptoms worsened and started causing pressure in my face, arms, and legs, and anxiety started to kick in. I was told I had neuropathy and to take mobic. Symptoms getting worse, and went to a rheumatologist in June 1999, and he was suspect of singulair. The doctor thought that what I was experiencing was due to the singulair. He (the rheumatologist) discussed this with the pulmonary doctor and the pulmonary doctor did not believe this to be the case. Not forgetting, in March of 1999, I had a ct of the sinus area, and low and behold 1/3 of the cavity was and probably still is full of polyps.

As time went on, symptoms getting worse, and not one bloody doctor could figure out why I was feeling this way. In addition, at times, I was put on steroids for my asthma (not including my inhalers).

Two years ago, my body went into shock, leaving my left side very different than my right side. Affecting: my head, my face, my eye, my ear, my esophogus, my lungs, my arm, my leg.

I have been depressed and anxious not knowing what the heck was going on with me.

Recently ruled out thyroid, and lupus, and possibly ms.

Last weekend, I reviewed the letter from the rheumatologist (dated 1999) and the ct report from March 1999 (regarding the sinus/ polyps) and made copies to present to a pulmonary doctor that I have recently been seeing.

This past Monday the 10th, I had my appt with him. He knew of my situation from the last few visits (in addition, I had met him this past March for a pulmonary rehab program, and thought he seemed to be knowledgeable and compassionate). While waiting for him to enter the exam room, he had read those reports before entering.

The doctor looked at my hands (red as a beet and swollen) and said "You have Churg-Strauss Syndrome, and get off the singulair."

I had done my homework from a few weeks ago, where I looked up untreated polyps.
Untreated polyps, can turn into vasculitis. There are many types of vasculitis, to include Churg-Strauss Syndrome.

I then cross ref CSS and singulair, and low and behold, BINGO!

I have been suffering for ten years, physically and emotionally because of this drug!

There is also recent updates from the fda (fda.gov) regarding singulair, of which most recently includes anxiety and depression.

I suggest before taking singulair, be aware of the side effects. As soon as a side effect comes up, contact your doctor. Also, be aware of existing conditions (like me, sinus problems and asthma) for this could lead to churg-strauss syndrome.

This info is indicated on the actual disclosure (the paper insert that indicates studies, side effects, etc...) not the handout that is given with the drug.

By the way, I am now working with a new rheumatologist in Los Angeles (Cedar-Sinai affiliated) and a new neurologist.

mdklezmer

I was put on Singulair about three weeks ago, and noticed immediately that my mood had changed. I am an adult ,and felt this sense of sadness, anxiety, solitude, not wanting to be around anyone. I took myself off the drug and have tics all over my body and eyelids ,which is driving me crazy! I even had heart palpitations ,which are very distressing. Today it seems to be better, and this is day three off the med. The only way I can explain how I felt on this drug is doom and gloom.

Hi, All

I normally do not post on websites, however, the issues that I read about in other toddler has me concerned for my grandson as well..

He started to live with us in Georgia three months ago. He was 20 months old. Over Labor Day weekend he developed a severe sinus infection and virus with a fever. Against our better judgment then, we allowed his doctor to prescribe an antibiotic which seem to help him for about two weeks, but her began having excessive mucus and coughing constantly. He had no fever. When we returned to the doctor, they suggested that he use Claritin because he had no infections, but a lot of mucus and drainage. Claritin worked, however, the side effects were he was a little sluggish. The doctor recommended trying Singular. We tried it for three weeks. Over that three weeks, we noticed that his appetite decreased and his aggression level increased where he started a fight with another toddler. He is normally an easy going little boy. He has been very aggressive lately, plus he has had dry coughing and gagging worse than when he was on Claritin. When I read the literature that says this medication causes sinusitis, I immediately decided to discontinue it. He will not be using this medicine again. It may be great for some children, but they really ought to make parents aware of the side effects. They are awful.

My son is almost 4 but has been on Singulair since he turned 3. We saw an immediate improvement in his allergies and asthma and thought it was a miracle drug. That is until we started to see our sweet, outgoing little boy change into something we barely recognized. We thought maybe it was just a stage he was going through or something and didn't connect it to the Singulair until his doctor accidentally wrote his refill prescription for 5 mg. instead of 4 mg. After about 2 weeks on the 5 mg. his mood swings increased substantially. He cried for hours everyday at school. He had previous trouble with his emotions at school on the 4 mg. as well. He continued to cry and throw fits at his preschool so often that he was ending up in the principals office. At home, he became clingy and so emotional that he would cry about everything. After doing some research on Singulair, I immediately took him off the drug. Within 1 1/2 weeks off of the drug, my little boy was a different child. I thought maybe I was the only one who had noticed until his teacher came to the car and ask what happened. She said that he didn't even resemble the same child that started school. He is sweet, and calm. He can take discipline without crying and gets praise every day instead of going to the principals office. His trouble sitting still and listening to the teacher are gone and her push for us to have him tested for ADHD has ended. He is now a star student. The only difference is the removal of Singulair from his little body.

About Singulair and being INCOMPATIBLE:

Merck acknowledges that there is a certain percentage of patients for which Singulair is "NOT EFFECTIVE" because of incompatibility issues. That problem is "all over" the research reports and clinical trials. Merck is even conducting research trials to try to determine why.

The issue of being incompatible as the reason for negative adverse side effects is not recognized as of now.

WHY? If Merck can recognize that Singulair is not effective or some patients, why doesn't it recognize that for others it causes negative side effects???

Why does Singulair cause these symptoms? I am going to give my explanation which is only a HYPOTHESIS. This should not be categorized as any thing but an educated guess. This is not backed by scientific research because nobody will do any research that would appear to anger
Merck even if people are suffering in the thousands.

1. The original research that preceded the development of Singulair (montelukast) seemed to focus on the theory that asthma was caused by an unusual immune response to certain pathological stimulus. There are many references to the observation that a high percentage of asthma sufferers are people whose asthma is caused by fungus. Many people suffer from asthma and are told that they are allergic to dust mites. Dust mites can live only because the fungus aspergillus pre-digests the
food source that dust mites can then absorb. Other sources of fungus occur in the home due to dampness or problems with wood rot.

2. The body's immune system fights certain categories of pathogens such as bacteria and fungus by creating nitric oxide which kills them at the site where they try to enter the body. The mast cell is the immune cell that is responsible for the production of nitric oxide. Mast cells are found in the skin, airways, intestines etc. The mast cell is capable of many different types of biochemical functions that are designed to signal other cells or other chemical responses. When the mast cell knows that pathogens
are present and nitric oxide is NOT produced, then it signals other immune cells to be sent to the site of the infection. Thus in the case of asthma, it is known that excessive numbers of eosinophils appear in the airways and these cells create inflammation.

3. Singulair was developed for asthma and later allowed to be prescribed for other reasons. I believe that montelukast probably creates a source of nitric oxide that prevents the mast cell from signalling for other immune cells to arrive at the source of infection. I arrived at that conclusion from studying the chemical structure of montelukast, the chemical structure of the gene cysLT1 receptor, and the chemical structure of the cell wall of fungus which would be what the mast cell uses to determine "what to do in order to kill the fungus."

The researchers who invented montelukast first had to clone the gene-cysLT1 receptor meaning that they had to be able to identify the gene and replicate it. Then by trial and error they had a find a "chemical"
that would bind (connect chemically) to the cysLT1 receptor. The theory would be that montelukast would take the place of the fungus or other pathogen and thus prevent the gene from reacting to produce the
responses that the sick patient with asthma produced. Merck says in the literature that montelukast binds with the cysLT1 receptor in order to prevent the mast cell from signalling the eosinophils to arrive in excessive
numbers that cause inflammation. I believe that montelukast is also causing the production of an amount of nitric oxide that is actually killing the pathogens that are present. For one thing, I would think that it
would be dangerous to incapacitate the immune system in that way without providing a way to kill the pathogens. I don't believe that the asthma response is just allergies to something like dust. Pollen from trees and flowers is loaded with fungus spores.

4. IF, IF, IF, montelukast does actually produce nitric oxide, then it does so by binding with the gene. Any place in the body where a molecule of montelukast encounters the cysLT1 receptor (a gene) then the corresponding molecules of nitric oxide are produced before the liver enzymes break the montelukast molecules up. Nitric oxide is TOXIC and
INFLAMMATORY. So let's look at the symptoms in regard to the location of the cysLT1 receptors. The location of these symptoms would not be places in the body where the mast cells normally encounter fungus or bacteria. The cysLT1 also has other functions in that it communicates with the cysLT2 receptors. Obviously, nitric oxide
should not be produced in these locations because of the signalling effect of nitric oxide on other physiological functions.

a. intestinal pain - the cysLT1 receptors are located in the small intestines
b. leg pain actually caused by vasculitis - cysLT1 receptors are found inside blood vessels- consistent with the fact that montelukast causes
Churg-Strauss
c. some people who didn't have asthma develop asthma - the cysLT1 receptors are in the airways
d. nightmares, depression, neurological damage - when montelukast penetrates the blood brain barrier probably due to unusual conditions of blood pH or electrolyte imbalance then nitric oxide in the brain causes neuron damage and excitoxicity

5. Why do some patients not experience side effects? Probably because genetically they are completely compatible with the model that researchers created when they cloned the cysLT1 receptor gene. I didn't not find any information about whether researchers knew that there are many different variations of this gene.

6. IF, my theory is even close to being correct, then why doesn't Merck do anything about researching these side effects. Maybe because nobody in the company knows how this drug works but the researchers who created it. All of the Merck literature is very vague about any biochemical information.

Again, this is just speculation and hypothesis. I have made an attempt to put this in simplistic language and therefore sacrifice scientific accuracy. But, I think that you will get the point.

SINGULAIR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO PATIENTS WHO EXPERIENCE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS. DOCTORS SHOULD JUST REALIZE THAT
THOSE PATIENTS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE MODEL FOR THE DRUG.

I also have a child who has been on this drug for about a month and as I sit here and read these blogs the more I am remembering complaints made by my son. He has been getting into trouble at school lately, irritable, angry, sad, leg pains, stomach aches and also having trouble getting to sleep at night. I am an RN and it took me to glance at the pill bottle today to realize that I needed to do a little more research about this drug when I saw that it said "mood changes and depression". I feel horrible because after a great 2nd grade year I was disappointed that he was not behaving as well this year. I know know that the $60.00 wasted and tiring reprimanding was all a waste of my time! I owe my poor son an apology as I will be taking him off of this drug today! More information and advocacy needs to be available especially when core users are children who have little to no voice!!!

STRANGELY ENOUGH THE CORRECT INFORMATION IS SHOWING UP IF YOU HIT REPLY SO DO THAT!

GUESS WHAT, WHEN YOU CUT AND PASTE THE SIDE EFFECTS INTO THIS WEBSITE THEY DON'T ALL SHOW UP!

MISSING IS:

BEHAVIOR AND MOOD RELATED CHANGES

CHECK FOR YOURSELF ON THEIR WEBSITE BECAUSE THEY ARE THERE!

MY APOLOGIES TO ALL FOR AN ERROR IN MY PRIOR POST. WHEN I CUT AND PASTED THE INFORMATION FROM MERCK'S WEBSITE NOT ALL OF IT APPEARED IN MY POST FOR SOME REASON. THE CORRECTED INFORMATION IS BELOW. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE FOR YOURSELVES TO VERIFY THIS.

THIS IS FROM THE PATIENT INFORMATION:

"What are the possible side effects of SINGULAIR?

The side effects of SINGULAIR are usually mild, and generally did not cause patients to stop taking their medicine. The side effects in patients treated with SINGULAIR were similar in type and frequency to side
effects in patients who were given a placebo (a pill containing no medicine).
The most common side effects with SINGULAIR include:
• stomach pain
• stomach or intestinal upset
• heartburn
• tiredness
• fever
• stuffy nose
• cough
• flu
• upper respiratory infection
• dizziness
• headache
• rash

Less common side effects that have happened with SINGULAIR include:
• increased bleeding tendency
• allergic reactions
• behavior and mood related changes
• drowsiness, pins and needles/numbness, seizures (convulsions or fits)
• palpitations
• nose bleed
• diarrhea, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, nausea, vomiting
• hepatitis
• bruising
• joint pain, muscle aches and muscle cramps
• swelling

Rarely, asthmatic patients taking SINGULAIR have experienced Rarely, asthmatic patients taking SINGULAIR have experienced a condition that includes certain symptoms that do not go away or that get worse. These occur usually, but not always, in patients who were taking steroid pills by mouth for asthma and those steroids were being slowly lowered or stopped.
Although SINGULAIR has not been shown to cause this condition, you must tell your doctor right away if you get one or more of these symptoms:
• a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs
• a flu-like illness
• rash
• severe inflammation (pain and swelling) of the sinuses (sinusitis)
These are not all the possible side effects of SINGULAIR. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Talk to your doctor if you think you have side effects from taking SINGULAIR."

d27gayle POSTED INCORRECT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SINGULAIR. I JUST COPIED THIS FROM MERCK'S SINGULAIR WEBSITE. THIS IS THE CORRECT AND UPDATED INFORMATION. THIS INFORMATION DOES LIST DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AS SIDE EFFECTS.

IF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SHARE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE, PLEASE MAKE SURE IT IS CORRECT BEFORE POSTING!!!!!!!!!

What are the possible side effects of SINGULAIR?
The side effects of SINGULAIR are usually mild, and generally did not cause patients to stop taking their medicine. The side effects in patients treated with SINGULAIR were similar in type and frequency to side effects in patients who were given a placebo (a pill containing no medicine).
The most common side effects with SINGULAIR include:
• stomach pain
• stomach or intestinal upset
• heartburn
• tiredness
• fever
• stuffy nose
• cough
• flu
• upper respiratory infection
dizziness
• headache
• rash

Less common side effects that have happened with SINGULAIR include:
• increased bleeding tendency
• allergic reactions
• behavior and mood related changes
• drowsiness, pins and needles/numbness, seizures (convulsions or fits)
• palpitations
• nose bleed
• diarrhea, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, nausea, vomiting
• hepatitis
• bruising
• joint pain, muscle aches and muscle cramps
• swelling

Rarely, asthmatic patients taking SINGULAIR have experienced a condition that includes certain
symptoms that do not go away or that get worse. These occur usually, but not always, in patients who
were taking steroid pills by mouth for asthma and those steroids were being slowly lowered or stopped.
Although SINGULAIR has not been shown to cause this condition, you must tell your doctor right
away if you get one or more of these symptoms:
• a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs
• a flu-like illness
• rash
• severe inflammation (pain and swelling) of the sinuses (sinusitis)

These are not all the possible side effects of SINGULAIR. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor if you think you have side effects from taking SINGULAIR.

THE FOLLOWING IS COPIED DIRECTLY FROM THE SINGULAIR WEBSITE.....

The side effects of SINGULAIR are usually mild, and generally did not cause patients to stop taking their medicine. The side effects in patients treated with SINGULAIR were similar in type and frequency to side effects in patients who were given a placebo (a pill containing no medicine).

The most common side effects with SINGULAIR include:

stomach pain
stomach or intestinal upset
heartburn
tiredness
fever
stuffy nose
cough
flu
upper respiratory infection
dizziness
headache
rash
Less common side effects that have happened with SINGULAIR include (listed alphabetically):

agitation including aggressive behavior, allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may cause trouble breathing or swallowing), hives, and itching, bad/vivid dreams, increased bleeding tendency, bruising, diarrhea, drowsiness, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), hepatitis, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, irritability, joint pain, muscle aches and muscle cramps, nausea, palpitations, pins and needles/numbness, restlessness, seizures (convulsions or fits), swelling, trouble sleeping, and vomiting.

Rarely, asthmatic patients taking SINGULAIR have experienced a condition that includes certain symptoms that do not go away or that get worse. These occur usually, but not always, in patients who were taking steroid pills by mouth for asthma and those steroids were being slowly lowered or stopped. Although SINGULAIR has not been shown to cause this condition, you must tell your doctor right away if you get one or more of these symptoms:

a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs
a flu-like illness
rash
severe inflammation (pain and swelling) of the sinuses (sinusitis)
These are not all the possible side effects of SINGULAIR. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Talk to your doctor if you think you have side effects from taking SINGULAIR.

I have a daughter who is almost 3 yrs. old. Her pediatrician prescribed her Singulair when she was 18 months so she's been on it for a little over a year. She has suffered from allergies since she was an infant although we've lived in Atlanta and Cincinnati since her birth - two of the worst cities in the US for allergies and air quality!! I cannot tell you how disturbing yet reassuring it is to read all of your posted side effects..I can relate to so many of your experiences! Its so ironic though b/c the initial reason our last pediatrician put her on Singulair was b/c she was feeling so badly from her allergies...but since she began taking it, she has had SO many more issues with not only her health but mental state. She has had serious aggression issues - taking it out physically on other children, her peers and our poor dogs and cat. She has tons of trouble falling asleep at night, is a very picky eater and has unexplained bouts of anger. When it started, we thought it was b/c like so many toddlers, she couldn't express herself. But she began talking at 18 months and could also sign and always seemed to communicate to us in her own way prior to that so that didn't add up. We've had a lot of external changes in our lives in the past year so everyone I've talked to about her issues has assured me that it was due to these and to keep on trying everything we could; that it was only a "phase". But the one thing I keep thinking about is how different she was prior to taking Singulair and how her mental well being changed so drastically from that point on. She was such a sweet, lovable child who was sleeping throughout the night (since she was 8 months old). She had a great appetite and loved trying new foods. She never had any aggression issues AT ALL before that. I even asked her previous caregiver abt. any aggression issues she had while watching her (which was up until 2 months before she started taking Singulair) and she said she never had ANY issues. In all, like so many of you posted abt. your children, she was a completely different child!! After going to her doctor this morning to have her checked for what I suspected was a sinus infection, he told me to absolutely continue giving her Singulair year-round in addition to 10 mg of Claritin (which is twice as much as children ages 4 to 6 are supposed to take!) and Nosenex spray for the next few weeks. It seemed like an awful lot to give a 2 yr. old so I started researching and came across this site. I am going to stop giving her Singulair today and look into some non-prescription alternatives. I take Oil of Oregano for my allergies since I can't handle the side effects of over-the-counter drugs so maybe my daughter can take this as well? I am so scared of how this drug has affected my child and hope that there hasn't been any permanent damage. I feel terrible that I trusted both of her doctors before researching this drug. I am SO thankful for finding this site and for reading your stories and will report back in a few weeks to update you on my little one's condition.

I have a 4 year old that was on Singulair for 17 days. He has always been a strong will child, yet he was always manageable. Those days that he was on it, and a couple of weeks after were the hardest weeks I have ever had with him. Within days of taking it I began to notice an extreme change in his behavior. He was moody, angry, he was beginning to be aggressive. He wasn't sleeping through the night anymore, and even began wetting the bed, something he hasn't done since he was two.

It was prescribed for his asthma, he couldn't walk five steps without coughing and wheezing. It did work, but I didn't think it was worth it. I went in to see his doctor, she said the aggression wasn't a side effect of Singulair in children, but had been recorded in adults. So she said it was fine to take him off of it. And to control his coughing he could just use 2 puffs of Flovent twice a day.

Well, he's been off of it for almost 2 weeks. His first days off were the same if not worse. He was even moodier than usual. I started thinking it wasn't the Singulair. He became exhausted, sleeping in the day. Was still angry and not sleeping at night.

But as he heads into his 2nd week off Singulair, he seems to be acting normal again. :) Normal for a 4 year old anyway. He's been sleeping through the night for the past few days and has been happier. He's playing again with his toys in a non-aggressive way. He just seems like he's becoming himself again.

I read some things were people said they didn't notice a change in their child, but it's taking some time for my boy to get back to "normal."

My 8 yr old has been on singulair since May. I never put two and two together until reading these posts. He has been having anxiety at night..crying and looking terrified saying he can't stop the scary thoughts in his head. Tonight I felt so bad for him...because I can't make it go away. I am hoping with tonight being the last night on singulair he will not have such a hard time at night. He also says it's very hard to get to sleep at night. Poor kid. I also know he's a sensitive kid but it seems a bit overboard in the last few months....like getting upset and just not knowing how to handle his emotions so he just shuts down. Please message me if you've had similar experiences. I'm calling his dr. on Monday to figure out some other options if there is any. My son started with a cough in March and finally took him to see the dr. in May and she heard wheezing and started him on singulair and then added zyrtec. I know they control his coughing (wheezing...slight asthma) because if we miss a dose he coughs all day the next day. I'm a bit scared to go off it...but hope it stops the anxiety and moodiness. He had his first asthma attack last week too...and I wasn't prepared as we never have had to use the inhaler...so I didn't have it with us. Anyway, hoping he doesn't get too bad taking him off...and I hope he is able to control the scary thoughts by going off of it too.

My 7 yr old daughter has been off of Singulair for 12 days now. The change in her personality is amazing. She experienced two nights of strange dreams and waking in the middle of the night. We put her back on Flovent once a day as a substitute. Her aggression and frustration went away within days. She is so happy and content with herself. I can see that she is no longer frustrated by emotions that she could not explain. She's silly, funny, happy. She no longer hates us, pulls her hair, or tries to slap herself because she's thinks she deserves it. She has been on the drug since she was 3-1/2. We were doing family therapy to try to help her. This is no longer needed. She's back to her old self. What a shame no one warned us of this potential side effect. I also wondered how I missed the news story since I just found this site in September 2008. The news story about Singulair came out in March - just around Spring Break. Since we were out of the country, I missed the news. Isn't that a convenient time of the year to break a story? I'm sure many other families missed the news.