Can't sleep, waking up with racing heart and can't catch a breath

[Ash123445]

Hi all, not sure if this issue is anxiety or asthma related. My asthma is playing up again and I have re started montalukast recently. Only taking it for 3 days or so and that seems to of been when this issue of waking up with palpitations and short of breath started. It may be something I'm eating aswell but I'm not sure. It's so frustrating I just want a good night's rest

[twinkly29]

It sounds much more like anxiety/panic attacks to me than asthma - montelukast doesn't usually cause that sort of side effect I don't think. As with side effects from any new asthma meds though, if it was that it should settle.

But the symptoms do sound like anxiety. They can easily look and feel similar to those in asthma (because they involve breathing basically and everyone assumes that that must be asthma) which can then make people panic but of course the panic about it being asthma causes more similar symptoms so it becomes a cycle.

You said in your post the other that you suffer with that - it might be worth discussing anxiety with your GP to find the best ways for you of managing that.

[Flower00]

I started the same medication about a month ago and have had same side effect. After two weeks it all settled down and now ok. Hope it goes well

[Saassii]

Do you live in a building with any water damage? No matter how long ago. This exacerbates asthma symptoms and can cause the exact reactions you've described.