Singulair Ruined My Life – The Dark Side of Montelukast

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Singulair, also known as montelukast, is a medication primarily used to manage symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The medicine was taken to cure but it ended up taking a toll on various aspects of my life. So, you may wonder how Singulair ruined my life!

While I was on the medication Singulair, I faced some mental issues. I was suicidal, depressed, and insecure. I was initially unsure of what had triggered my sudden mood change. However, as time went on, I realized that there is a connection between medication and my mental changes. But it was too late. I’ve already lost a lot of time that cannot be recovered.

So here I am today, sharing all the ins and outs of the medicine. Besides, I will share the ways of reducing the negative effectiveness of the medication. If you are already taking this, I will share the steps to eliminate such a nightmare.

How Does Singulair Cause Depression?

Singulair causes behavior and mood-related changes. A 2 to 11-year-old suffers from depression and anxiety.

A worried mother talked about her child who was happy just like other normal kids. The incident occurred when the child started taking the medicine. In spite of fighting depression, anxiety, agitation, confusion, and irritability, the baby was suffering from so many mental issues that are unusual for a kid at the age. The issues were as follows,

Memory problems
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Restlessness,

Suicidal thinking,
Hallucinations.

These are common facts while someone is on Singulair. According to a study, there was no connection between the medicine use and inpatient depressive disorder or self-harm, compared with inhaled steroid use. Now the question is why does Singulair cause depression?

As we know the medicine’s effects on inflammatory pathways and specific neurotransmitter systems in the brain connect to depression. Neurotransmitter imbalances and inflammation have both been linked to the development of mood disorders like depression.

What Does Singulair Do to The Brain?

Singulair (montelukast) can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain over time. The neuropsychiatric events caused by the medicine are more frequently reported in children than adults.

Here are some key points about Singulair’s impact on the brain:

Accumulation in the brain: according to research, montelukast, the active ingredient in the medicine, crosses the blood-brain barrier. And accumulates in the brain over time. This accumulation induces the effects on the central nervous system.

Neuropsychiatric side effects: the medicine has neuropsychiatric side effects. It causes changes in behavior and mood-related changes. Thus, these side effects cause mental illness. Evidently, it’s more frequently reported in children than adults.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experiences can be different.. Some may still experience depressive symptoms or neuropsychiatric side effects while on the medications.

Singulair Induce My Suicidal Thoughts and Also Others

I became depressed after taking the medicine for a long time. It got so extreme that I was suicidal. In fact, I am not alone in this matter. Obviously, when you go through the extremes of depression, suicidal thoughts arise. And this medicine is a major cause of depression and anxiety that may induce suicidal thoughts.

The FDA warns about serious mental health including suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking Singulair. Mostly, those between the ages of 12 to 17 are suicidal after taking this.

Singulair Induce Self Harming in Children: Real Life Experience

In 2015 an Australian news site published a journal where it stated that, in the 7 years before October 2017, The Therapeutic Good Administration received 227 reports of adverse psychiatric actions from Australian patients taking the medication.

You will be surprised to know that a 22-year-old boy committed sucide by headshot in 2017. He started taking singulair a few days ago.

Wendy Lawrence, a mother from the Sunshine Coast. Her 20-year-old son took Singulair for ten years, starting when he was five. She thinks the medicine is responsible for her son’s ongoing mental illness. From the mental issues he has not yet fully recovered. Her son was diagnosed with ADHD at age six after exhibiting behavioral issues shortly after starting the medication. He started cutting himself with razor blades by the end of primary school, covering himself in scars.

However, she didn’t link Singulair to her son’s decreasing mental state. Also didn’t stop the medication until he was 15 years old. Although she had no clue that all of her son’s problems were for the medicine. She believes it played a significant role in his problems.

Emma, a NSW mother, claimed her 11-year-old daughter became suicidal after taking Singulair for four months. Still her daughter suffers severe mental health issues almost three years later. She informed her daughter’s pediatrician and GP about the changes. But her daughter’s mental health worsened after stopping the medication. Emma believes her daughter’s condition was triggered by the medicine. In fact, they were not informed about it possible side effects.

Caroline Cornford, a mother, found her son Tim’s behavior changed dramatically after being prescribed Singulair at two-and-a-half. He experienced night terrors, aggression, and sadness and eventually stopped the medicine. However, she fears her son may never fully recover from the effects, as he has speech and delayed development problems. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with autism last year.

The Horrible Experience After Withdrawing Singulair

I had been taking the medication for an extended period. I decided to stop taking singulair when I realized how badly it was affecting me. I abruptly began dealing with some other health problems. Here are withdrawal symptoms that I experience are following:

Rebound Asthma or Allergic Symptoms: It was managing asthma and allergic conditions. When discontinuing the medication, I experienced a temporary worsening of asthma or allergy symptoms. This is called the rebound effect. So, I started coughing horribly, having shortness of breath and facing allergic reactions.

Mood Changes: I experienced irritability or mood swings when discontinuing the medication. I later found out that, due to the complex interactions between the medication and neurotransmitter systems in the brain, this happens.

Sleep Disturbances: I was taking the medicine generally in the evening. And noticed, its discontinuation was affecting sleep patterns. After all, Insomnia or changes in sleep quality occur for these. Studies show that infants under 2 years old suffer from sleep disturbance more.

Fatigue: After discontinuing it, it leads to a sense of fatigue or tiredness in me.

Digestive Symptoms: When stopping the medication, there were some changes in bowel habits, stomach discomfort, or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Nasal Symptoms: I was consuming it to manage allergic rhinitis. After stopping the medication I experienced a resurgence of nasal congestion, sneezing, and other allergy-related symptoms.

However, all these vary from person to person. If you’re stopping Singulair, it’s advisable to do so under a healthcare professional. Consulting with them can minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects Last After I Stopping Singulair

The duration of side effects after stopping Singulair (montelukast) varies widely. It depends on the specific side effects. Evidently, side effects can take days, weeks, months, or even years to completely resolve. Some side effects are temporary. The effects last for a few days to weeks. On the contrary, others persist after discontinuation of Singulair therapy.

In some cases, symptoms resolve after stopping the therapy. However in my case, symptoms persisted after discontinuation. However, most side effects don’t change much with more prolonged treatment. Stopping the medication does not cause any significant changes in side effects.

How Have I Stopped Taking Singulair?

To stop taking montelukast, first thing first, it is essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. They provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. In my case, the doctor recommended gradually reducing the dosage. If you discontinue it due to side effects, the doctor recommends alternative treatments.

Additionally, doctors will provide medications to manage your symptoms. This minimizes the risk of coming back from the sickness. Besides that, it reduces the chance of sudden worsening of symptoms. If you taper off it, pay close attention to any changes in your symptoms. Decide according to your health condition. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find the best approach for you

Singulair Causes Liver Inflammation: Story of A Sufferer

A 46-year-old man with uncontrolled asthma was taking montelukast. However, 48 days later, he suffered abdominal pain and jaundice. Doctors suggested a liver test. Liver testing revealed increased bilirubin levels. It raises the possibility of hepatocellular liver damage. Then the doctor suggested stopping Montelukast. Yet liver tests improved afterward.

However, Singulair is rarely responsible for harm to the liver. If it happens as an exception, you can resolve it within 1 to 4 months. You should know that it works to reduce leukotrienes. It plays a role as a leukotrienes receptor antagonist.

Leukotrienes are a type of inflammatory molecule. It plays a significant role in inducing the inflammation in the body. In certain situations, elevated levels of leukotrienes cause liver inflammation or liver injury. The medicine helps to lessen the level of leukotrienes. So, does Singulair cause liver damage? Perhaps it causes some health issues in individuals but it is rare that the medicine damages the liver.

Who Should Not Take Singulair?

Singulair (montelukast) is safe for most people when used as prescribed for its approved indications. However, the health care professionals advise not to take it sometimes. Or to use it with caution. Here are some situations in which it requires special consideration:

Allergy or Sensitivity to Singulair
People who is suffering from liver Problems

Pregnant and Breastfeeding
Children with Behavioral Concerns
Medicine Interactions.

Severe Asthma Attacks

It’s important not to take the chewable tablet. It contains phenylalanine. It can be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What Is The Lawsuit Against Singulair in 2023?

You may wonder why Singulair was taken off the market. As of August 2023, there are several lawsuits against Merck & Co.

Merck & Co, the manufacturer of montelukast, alleged that the company knew about the serious neuropsychiatric side effects of the medication. Unfortunately, it failed to warn patients and doctors. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturer marketed Singulair as safe and effective despite research on the medication’s side effects.

The plaintiffs in these lawsuits seek compensation for medical costs, lost pay, and pain and suffering resulting from users’ mental health problems. The lawsuits are filed in federal court. They are ongoing as of August 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it ok to stop Singulair?

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before stopping Singulair. This medication manages asthma and allergies. Stopping it abruptly leads to worsened symptoms or rebound effects. Your doctor will consider your health needs. He will help you make an informed decision and may give alternatives. Ensuring a safe and gradual transition, you can stop taking the medicine.

How long does singulair stay in your system after stopping?

Singulair (montelukast) takes about 4-7 hours to leave the body. Generally, it leaves the body within a day or two after stopping it.

However, the effects of this on the body last longer due to its impact on specific biological conditions. It’s also important to remember that your metabolism, dosage, and the length of time you’ve been taking the medication all affect how rapidly the medicine leaves your body.

Are the side effects of Singulair permanent?

In general, the side effects of Singulair (montelukast) are not permanent for the majority who experience them. Most side effects tend to be mild and temporary. For example, headache, stomach upset, and nausea typically subside after a short period. However, you may see a long term effect on children who are suffering from problems like speech and development delay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, now you know how Singulair ruined my life and others. In light of the adverse effects, while the medication relieves those with respiratory conditions, it also pose risks to some individuals regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms. As with any medical treatment, using the medicine should be based on a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider. Also, you need to consider its benefits against its drawbacks. Vigilance, communication, and informed choices remain essential when navigating the complexities of medication management.