Montelukast, a prescription medication used to control asthma symptoms and relieve seasonal allergies, has been under increased scrutiny due to its potential mental health side effects, including suicidal thoughts. Recent cases have brought to light the possible dangers of this commonly prescribed drug, prompting concerns among healthcare professionals and families.
In April 2023, Ashley Bracken and her daughter, Juliet, visited the grave of Genevieve, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 14 in Smithfield, Utah. Genevieve had been taking montelukast since the age of seven, and her mental health deteriorated after a doctor increased her dosage to the adult level when she was 13. This case highlights the devastating impact that montelukast’s potential side effects can have on patients and their families.
The concerns surrounding montelukast’s link to mental health issues have not been limited to the United States. In Melbourne, Australia, Vanessa Sellick shared her son Harrison’s distressing experience with the drug. Harrison, who was first prescribed montelukast at the age of two, began exhibiting mental health problems by the age of three, including expressing thoughts of wanting to die by four. However, the connection to the medication was not initially made by his doctors. Harrison’s situation escalated to a suicide attempt when he was five, shedding light on the severity of the potential side effects of montelukast.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to these escalating concerns in early 2020 by adding a stark warning to the drug’s label, alerting healthcare providers and patients about the potential for aggression, agitation, and even suicidal thoughts. Despite these warnings, some doctors in Western Pennsylvania continue to prescribe montelukast to manage asthma or allergy symptoms, though it’s not typically used as a first-line medication.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of monitoring patients closely while on montelukast and consider alternate treatments when possible. While the medication can be effective in managing asthma and allergies for some patients, its potential mental health side effects must be carefully considered. The experiences of individuals like Genevieve and Harrison underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and vigilance when prescribing and using montelukast, particularly among those at a higher risk of mental health issues.
As the medical community grapples with the implications of montelukast’s potential link to mental health issues, it is crucial for healthcare providers and families to remain informed and proactive in monitoring patients’ well-being while using the medication. Efforts to raise awareness about montelukast’s potential side effects, coupled with thorough patient evaluations and close monitoring, are essential steps in mitigating the risks associated with this widely used asthma medication.
