Dr Abby Philips, who goes by the name The Liver Doc on Twitter has put out a tweet highlighting the side effects of Montelucast, which is a highly prescribed drugs. A lot of people are put on long term drug use, to prevent allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. It is also sometimes precribed in combination with an antihistamine like certrizine.

This is important I’m sure most doctors do not know about this, and patients need to be aware. Montelukast is… https://t.co/37toQOyYI0

— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) 1681192145000

The doctor refers to a 2020 research paper that was released by AJMC which says that FDA has said that Montelucast prescription will now require a boxed warning. The study highlighted the severe mental health effects of the drug. The study discourages doctors to prescribe it to patients with a mild case of asthma or allergy. The report states, “Many healthcare professionals and patients/caregivers are not aware of the risk.”

While it isn’t a bad drug but researchers fear that its benefits may outweigh the risks associated with it. The study conducted by FDA identified ’82 cases of completed suicide associated with montelucast’.
The tweet said – If you are on montelukast for months on and have been experiencing new onset mental health issues or worsening of preexisting mental health issues, please speak with you doctor. If your children show adverse mental health symptoms especially insomnia, anxiety after start of montelukast, notify your doctor.

For those who want to read the report, click here