Montelukast

[SRud]

I have been on this medication for the past 3 years. It has really helped me. However i recently realised that my insomnia and anxiety are actually its side effects. I want to wean off it as I am exhaused with the side effects. Is there a safer alternative in an inhailed form?

[mas7656]

I started taking montelukast last year and its really helped ne as well

[elanaoali]

I would phone asthma uk helpline to tslk about the possible side effects that you think you are getting. None of us here are healthcare professionals.

nhs.uk/medicines/montelukast/

The side effect you have described is not listed by the nhs. So please talk to your doctor.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to elanaoali]

These are known possible side effects of montelukast listed on the product label though. They're considered 'uncommon' based on how often they occur in people taking it (in the general population outside trials) so many people won't get them, but they can happen.

I agree with calling the helpline though to chat through possible options and alternatives, before going to the GP with them. As DaveW27 below suggests, taking it in the morning may help. 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

[DaveW27]

HiI too have been taking Montelukast for around 3 years and whilst I don't have anxiety I do find that I don't sleep very well. When do you take the Montelukast as it may be best first thing in the morning rather than before going to bed. If there is a better alternative which allows decent sleep then please share on here.

[peege in reply to DaveW27]

I take mine between 7&8pm, after supper. P

[Lynneypin]

I also took this and after a year it gave me gut issues. I wish there was an alternative. X

[Whiteclouds in reply to Lynneypin]

hi I think I have gut issues from this medication gives me stomach pain and sickness I’m going to mention it to my specialist next week when he rings me

[Lynneypin in reply to Whiteclouds]

my consultant told me to stop using it

[Birthday60]

try using This Works sleep spray or Rescue Remedy for your anxiety- I’ve been on Monteluk for 15 years and would definitely try everything rather than return to having constant breathing issues.

[fraid]

As per Lysistrata reply, on Nice website it mentions possible neuropsychiatric side effects, may help to look it up. I too would query its use if it was creating other problems, there as so many drugs these days, bound to be something better for you.Good luck. 🤗

[Grimlock88]

You may want to watch this…

youtu.be/_IuAj291BNs(Not working as expected?)

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Grimlock88]

If SRud has side effects from montelukast which outweigh the benefits then like anyone else, they may be better off on another medication. However, this video is not exactly balanced, and makes it sound like these side effects are highly likely. While it's obviously not great that this happened, most of these problems occurred in children who were taking too high a dose - the child dose is now half of the adult dose.

Many people take montelukast without problems, and it either actively benefits them or does nothing either way. As I said, if that's not the case then they should discuss with their doctor or asthma nurse, but I don't think it's massively helpful to post rather one-sided and emotive videos rather than balanced sources.

[SRud]

Thanks for your helpful replies. One more problem i have developed is forgetfulness. This too is a rare side effect. I have joined the facebook group for this medicine's side effects. I plan to see my GP soon. In the meanwhile, as suggested I will start taking the medicine in the morning. I have been taking it at night after dinner.

Butekyo breathing techniques too have helped me a lot with my asthma. Leaving dairy too made a substantial difference. Looking for more natural ways to get off montelukast.

One more thing which helps is eating less and staying off all processed foods.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to SRud]

Please be extremely careful with replacing any medication with 'natural' remedies - there's no evidence that they actually do anything for asthma, and it could be dangerous. Some 'natural' remedies can also trigger asthma and interact with other medications. You may already know this but I'm adding a reminder for others reading too.

I'm glad that things like eating less/cutting out dairy etc has helped your asthma, but just a reminder (also for anyone reading) that there also isn't good evidence that those things will specifically help asthma in general - unless of course you're reacting to something you're eating. I'm not making any comments on diets in general by the way or getting into that, just wanted to flag to anyone reading that diet change isn't necessarily going to be the answer for everyone.

As with anything, diet etc can be quite individual so probably best discussed with the appropriate professional.

[SRud in reply to Lysistrata]

I am only adding natural remedies and will surely ask my GP to suggest a replacement medicine. For me, leaving all dairy in any form healed my lungs and helped me get rid of my inhailors. Montelukast removed any residual problems. Giving it up is scary but I will try to find a good safer replacement.

[deandy0110 in reply to SRud]

Hi I totally agree with you about trying more natural remedies ..its not 1 size fits all but if you don't try things you.ll never know ..I too do the breathing exercisers which do also help me to a degree (I need to do it more regular really)n yes I do believe food can play a big part in ppls symptoms ..its basically trial and error listen to what your body is telling you but also yes talk to your gp about things that are worrying you about any medications your taking

[eleanordigby]

I found it really helpful for years and then started getting extremely anxious and depressed, most unlike me. Terrible insomnia too. Also, it didn’t seem to be controlling my asthma as well as before. I told my consultant (a Professor) and he advised stopping it immediately. I did, and was almost back to my normal self within a week!

Interestingly, he also said that research has shown, in people who suffer serious reactions to a drug, it’s likely to become less effective anyway. I don’t have a link as evidence I’m afraid.

[SRud in reply to eleanordigby]

Very similar side effects. Did the doctor give you some other medicine to replace Montelukast?

[eleanordigby in reply to SRud]

I don’t think there’s another drug in the same class as Montelukast. I went onto biologic injections (Xolair) which have helped greatly.