Montelukast not working

[HC26]

Hi all,

I posted on here now long ago. I’ve been suffering with my asthma the past 6 weeks now (I usually don’t have any problems with it unless I have a cold). I have been on prednisolone, two courses of antibiotics, a new inhaler and now montelukast. I have been on montelukast for just over a week and my symptoms haven’t improved. I am still wheezy and right chested and I’m using my reliever still about twice a day. I’m not sure whether to stick it out longer or to phone back the dr? Also don’t know what will be next!

Would really appreciate any comments on this!

Thank you!

[Spartacus22]

I had montekulast in place of some steroids post asthma attack a few years back. I came off the steroids as hey really messed with my head. Found the montekulast much less aggressive and coupled with my preventative and ventolin worked for me. I'd usually give new meds up to a month to show signs of building up in your system as with new inhalers. Ive been suffering asthma most of my 32 years and have tried almost all there is on offer.

Give it about 3 weeks and if its not enough try going back. What are your current problems you don't feel its addressing?

[HC26 in reply to Spartacus22]

Thanks for your reply! I just seem to be constantly wheezy! Some days are better than others. Some days I can go a dog walk and others I can’t. I’m still taking my reliever inhaler everyday.

[twinkly29]

Do you take any antihistamines? The last couple of months would be spot on timing wise if pollen was causing you problems.

Also, the acid reflux you mentioned a few days ago might take longer to settle so I'd give things a bit more time I think.

[HC26 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks for your reply! I’m taking antihistamines every day. But then I read somewhere that they weren’t good for reflux? I’ve had medication for reflux well over a year now. But I’m still constantly burping (excuse me) and hoarse and feel like something is stuck in my throat, so maybe I need another medication for that?

[Poobah]

I would talk to your GP again in order to seek advice on how to deal with your symptoms until the Montelukast kicks in and if it doesn't work for you. I read that it only works for about 25% of asthmatics. A prescribed antihistamine may be good, given the current high pollen season. It's definitely affecting my asthma and that's not usual. My asthma nurse has added a steroid inhaler to my cocktail - in the hope that I stop taking Ventolin every day. Trouble is, inhaled steroids take ages to have an affect.

Never delay a follow up appointment if new meds don't do the trick - you shouldn't let symptoms rumble on.

All the best.

[HC26 in reply to Poobah]

That’s great! Thank you for the advice! I think I’ll need to get back in touch with the gp and see what they say! The issue is I end up speaking to someone different each time and feel like I’m going in circles!

[Poobah in reply to HC26]

Don't be afraid to say that you feel like you're going around in circles - it's not a bad thing that they get feedback on their performance! Good luck.

[Babbela]

Montelukast takes weeks to feel the benefit .When I was prescribed thought to myself this tablet is a waste of time so glad I stuck with it cause now I dont use my ventolin as much and its got to be montelukast cause my other prescriptions been taking years .

[HC26]

That makes me feel better! Thank you for letting me know!

[Sb18 in reply to HC26]

Hi,

I just started taking Montelukast 10 days ago! 3 days ago I would have told you it’s rubbish! The last 52 hours I’ve felt almost back to my normal self so give it a little longer, like you my asthma doesn’t bother me (ever) I exercise and the last 8 weeks I've barely been able to walk the runs I would normally do! I believe it’s been an incredibly high pollon season due to the lack of pollution in the air so people like myself who don’t normally suffer have been doing!! I’m taking an antihistamine morning and night along with the Montelukast and unfortunately have not iced red wine seems to be a new trigger which is miserable because it’s my drink of choice!! I’m a lot better when I haven’t had it so cutting it out for awhile, it is full of histamine so I’m really putting all this down to allergic asthma

[HC26 in reply to Sb18]

This is great news! I’m glad you’re feeling better

I’ll try sticking it out a bit longer in the hope it does the same for me! I’m also taking an antihistamine every day just in case.

Thanks!

[Matrix]

Well I have all of the above and at the moment like you I’m struggling a bit and I think it’s the hayfever is really bad this year .Hub has bought me some hayfever meds am going to take today .😘❤️

[HC26 in reply to Matrix]

Hopefully they work for you! It’s scary when your asthma is playing up with everything else going on!

[Matrix in reply to HC26]

Thank you sweetie hope you eel better soon ,if you don’t you must talk to your dr .😘

[Franno]

My asthma nurse gave me Montelukast and told me to see her a month later as they take time to work. They didn't work for me and I was given a stronger dose inhaler, which thankfully has kept things under control. I guess I would give them time.

[HC26]

Thank you for your reply! What inhaler did they give you? I’ve also been given flutiform but it didn’t agree with me very well

[Franno]

My asthma nurse increased my Fostair from 100/6 to 200/6 and I have only had 2 attacks in 6 months.

[Logan357X]

Hello, I too was put on Montelukast and it did not work for me...instead, it had me more of short of breath and a bit afraid of the suicidal and depressive side effects....The doctor then prescribed me with (Guafenesin 400mg) and that cleared my airways...it's the same as Mucinex but I think it's a generic form? Anyway try that to see if it helps you breathe better, I found it to be a miracle pill, for me at least. It thins the mucous in your lungs to the point of you breathing as you used to. Good luck, and give it a try.