Montelukast

[Hopes1]

Hi anyone gain weight whilst taking montelukast

[Tenderspore]

Hi, I have been on montelukast for over a year now and did not gain weight. I did have funny little dreams in the beginning but not any more. Kind regards😀

[Megan1109]

I did notice some weight gain when i was taking it but it felt gradual and I needed to gain a bit of weight anyway. The weird dreams and nightmares were the issue for me and what made me stop taking it.

[Annnor]

Interested in replies as I've just started on it.

[Poobah]

I did put weight on, but that could have been more to do with eating too many yummy things rather than the Montelukast. I've been able to lose weight while on Montelukast so doubt it has affected my weight too much, if at all. I think steroids have played a bigger role in my weight issues than any other med.I do get the occasional vivid dream so take my tablet early evening rather than at bedtime. I would say, give Montelukast a go and if you don't enjoy any benefits after 3 months, then it isn't the medication for you ( it doesn't work for everyone).

[Birthday60]

I’ve been on Montelukast for z number of years / no weight gain - in fact some weight loss as I’ve been more active!!

[Hopes1 in reply to Birthday60]

That’s good to hear thanks 😊

[PeakyBlinder50]

I've been Montelukast for over 4 years no weight gain at all. In fact I've lost weight but then I exercise a lot horseriding etc. but definitely no weight gain. I did have to change the time I took it to in the morning as I was having colour nightmares that were keeping me awake.

[Eibhlinn]

I have also been on this for over a year with no weight gain. The strange dreams like others have said for about the first month and after that they stopped. A game changer for me.

[Penelope321]

I live in Canada. My asthma nurse recently suggested Montelukast to me. I decided to research it first. As soon as I googled it, it came up that there was a new black box warning put out a little over a year ago - this medication can cause depression and increase suicidal thoughts. Apparently the company has known this for years but never let the public in on this. Beware! Being an asthmatic is depressing in and of itself. We don’t need anything else to send us hurdling on the path to severe depression and possible suicide! Stay alive, people!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Penelope321]

The black box warning is new, but these side effects were already on the leaflet, so they weren't hiding them. It was however decided to add the warning to ensure people were aware.

Of course the medication can cause these effects, and patients, parents and healthcare professionals should be aware that it's a possibility. I think a lot of these effects were seen in young people/children who were taking the 10mg dose, which has now been amended to be for 15+ only (at least in the UK and I think the USA), and a smaller dose of 5mg is available for those under 15.

Many people take this medication without any problems and find it helpful. Many people also take it, don't find it helpful, but also don't get any major problems from it. It is absolutely not a given that most people are going to become depressed and suicidal on montelukast. However, people who have side effects on any medication are more likely to talk about that than the people who don't have problems with it.

[Penelope321]

Thanks for clarifying that the warning was already in the drug leaflet. This is the warning on the FDA website for those who may wish to see what the message on website looks like.

FDA black box warning

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I started Montelukast 2 weeks ago

Was concerned about the side effects but the consultant said they prescribe it a lot with good levels of success.

She said to let her know if I got dizzy or had hallucinations from it. So far neither thank goodness, but I’m aware of some potentially catastrophic side effects in a small % of people

It is helping my lung mucus and rhinitis so far so good