A recent study has highlighted a potential link between a widely used asthma medication, Singulair (generically known as montelukast), and serious mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide.
Singulair, which has been on the market since 1998, is used to treat allergies and asthma. New research suggests that the drug binds to receptors in the brain, potentially affecting psychiatric functions. This could lead to mental health problems, a side effect that has been observed increasingly in recent years.
Due to reports of neuropsychiatric episodes and suicides among patients using the drug, the FDA added a boxed warning to Singulair’s prescribing label in 2020. This warning indicates that the medication can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. The FDA stated that this decision followed a thorough review of available data and consultations with external experts.
Jessica Oliphant, a deputy director at the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, noted that significant binding of montelukast to brain receptors has been observed, particularly in areas associated with psychiatric effects. However, more research is needed to understand whether this binding directly causes harmful mental health side effects.
Julia Marschallinger, a scientist at Austria’s Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, expressed concern, saying the medication is “definitely doing something that’s concerning.” Despite these findings, the FDA has no current plans to update the black box warning further.
The new findings underline the importance of monitoring mental health in patients taking Singulair and ensuring that both healthcare providers and patients are fully aware of the potential risks.