Montekulast and Fostair

[pussycatwillow]

I had Covid last year followed by acute bronchitis some months later. This happened when I was on holiday in the Far East. Hospitalised and intravenous antibiotics etc for a week. I have never had any chest infections prior to this.

It now appears I may have late onset asthma. I have been using Fostair 200/6 which has helped the breathlessness but bad side effect of leg cramps. Consultant has now put me on Montekulast and reduce Fostair to 1 puff twice a day. He informed me about the potential side effects of changes to mood and dark thoughts, although stressed this was related to a small amount of people.

Are there any other side effects of Montekulast that you have experienced.

This is all new to me as I do not appear to have the classic symptoms of asthma.

[andy121]

Hi, I have been on Montekulast for a few years now some people here a lot longer without any real problems, I did have a few vivid dreams at the start but I just carried on taking them and it subsided. Don’t be put off with what you read as there are some horror stories out there. I believe most the side effects are with kids not so much adults. It’s a great drug for me and has made a huge difference.

Hope it works well for you!

[Mons in reply to andy121]

I have been on Montelukast for the last 3/4 months and have had no side effects at all. Looking on the internet before taking it I was somewhat concerned but, for me, it has made a big difference to my breathing. Hope it also helps you and makes a difference.

[Chip_y2kuk]

I took montelukast for ages but didn't like it and didn't think it made a difference.... I was right

The leg cramps are normally potassium deficiency... caused by the formoterol in the fostair... its a known potassium leech

[Gareth57]

hi, I'm on the same meds but still taking the full dose of Fostair 200/6, I've found the side effect subside over time I used to get cramp quite badly and shakes in my hands both of which I thought were down to to Fostair but is was good for my lungs so I kept using it now there is just occasional shakes and the cramps are less frequent and a couple of bananas a week keep the cramps at bay. Montelukast has been a game changer for seasonal allergies which for me caused chest infections but if never had the usual hay fever symptoms. So far I've been through autumn to now and had no extra meds but would usually have had 2 spells of antibiotics and prednisolone.

Hoping you get the same relief and that the side effects wear off soon.

[Wheezycat]

Hello Pussycatwillow, Like you I am a late onset asthma person, though as it is in my family it probably wasn't quite the same surprise for me. I was diagnosed in 2014 when I was 65.

As I had quite a period with lots of infections, ending up with lots of prednisolone, it was suggested to me eventually to take Montelukast. I was on it for about 2 years. At first I thought there wasn't much by the way of side effects. Then I did notice it affected my dreams that became kind of frantic, but not dark or bad. Just a bit hectic. It never went away. Also as my asthma isn't seemingly caused by allergies it didn't really have any effect. So after 2 years it was agreed I could stop. My sleep did then improve, and my asthma stayed ok. (It has been particularly good since I have been on Fostair).

Just notice how it affects you. From the responses above it is pretty clear there is a wide variety of ways it works for people, and you yourself is likely ultimately to be the best judge of how it works for you.

[KnPoa]

I’ve been on montelukast for 13/14 years, I started taking it when I was 15/16, I haven’t had any problems. I was only told about the mental health side effects a few years ago at a review.

[Leith24]

Hi, for me Montelukast causes wild dreams and feeling very drowsy/chilled out, which is sometimes a pest but sometimes lovely!