Singulair and Depression in Children: Understanding the Potential Risks

Reports that Singulair causes depression in children may be anecdotal; however, the claims are serious enough that Merck, the company that manufactures Singulair, includes depression among reported side effects of Singulair.

Singulair

• Singulair (montelukast sodium) is a drug for the prevention of asthma attacks and the treatment of allergy symptoms. Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

Use

• According to Drugs.com, Singulair maybe prescribed to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as a year old; Singulair may also be used to treat allergy symptoms ̶0;in adults and children as young as 6 months old.̶1;

Depression

• According to Singulair.com, depression is a possible side effect of Singulair for children. Other behavioral and mood disturbances that have been reported, according to Singulair.com, are anxiety, hallucinations, irritability and suicidal behavior.

Considerations

• According to a March 2008 article from USAToday.com, George Philip, the director of Singulair product development, claims that reports of suicide ideation are anecdotal. The Food and Drug Administration has not concluded that Singulair causes suicidal thoughts.

Warning

• Drugs.com warns that Singulair, and all drugs, should be kept out of the reach of children. Singulair.com recommends that parents who feel that their child is experiencing side effects of Singulair consult their physician.