nervous about montelukast

[HLMB22]

Hi there-

I’ve always had pretty well controlled asthma that normally got a bit worse around autumn time, but this year I ended up having a hole in my lung in October. Since then it’s been really hard to get back under control, I am now on 200 mg fostair 6 times a day and I had to have a number of oral steroid courses, but whenever I came off them it just went down hill.

An a and e doctor prescribed me montelukast and it’s definitely helped the 3 weeks I’ve been on it! But I’ve started to get daily headaches, and I’ve read the seemingly extreme mental side effects people can get being on it or coming off it and now I’m really scared. Have people had good experiences with it? And do you think I would get withdrawal symptoms if I’ve only been on it for a month or so?

Any help would be great

[Poobah]

I've taken Montelukast for years and it's definitely helped me. Apart from some vivid dreams, I haven't had any side effects. Prior to starting Montelukast, I did have two separate periods of depression/anxiety and nothing since, so Montelukast hasn't effected my mental health.

I know the patient leaflet warnings are grim reading, but we need to be aware of the side effects so we can take appropriate action. I believe that the Montelukast headaches wear off after a week or so, but talk to your doctor if they continue.

[HLMB22 in reply to Poobah]

ahh thank you for that!! I guess when you look online you’re going to see the overwhelmingly negative experiences! It’s nice to know that people have had positive ones😀

[Poobah in reply to HLMB22]

Bad news always travels fast. Good luck with Monty.

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.ive taken it for years with no prob at all+ it's b a gamechanger for my 5yr old grandson.do make sure U drink enough fluids as even slight dehydration can cause headaches.sounds like you've had a rotten few months x

[HLMB22]

ahh thank you very much for the advice! That’s good to know - yes I’m just rather anxious to get on track of it all really! I was doing my teacher training at UCL but had to drop out due to this sadly! It’s really nice to find a place where people are facing the same problems x

[Yatzy in reply to HLMB22]

I’ve been taking Montelukast for over ten years and find it effective. I had vivid dreams at first but my asthma was improving so I stuck with it, and the dreams faded, never to return.

I moved house, and my asthma improved so much due to no longer having a polluting factory nearby, so tried to reduce drugs….started with Montelukast but after a couple of weeks, the more severe asthma crept back. Resolved when re-established Montelukast, so looks like it’s with me for good!

I do hope you can get back to your teacher training again, once asthma settled, though availability of viruses in the classroom does upset your asthma sometimes! You’ll cope well as long as asthma not really really sensitive…I did 🌻🌸🌺

[Troilus]

No problems here

[Homely2 Administrator]

Just reading this, your asthma sounds a little out of control. So I wondered if you were going to see a proper asthma medic, whether it be a good asthma nurse, a GP with experience of asthma, or a consultant.

If you are not with a good asthma medic, have a chat with a nurse at the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800. They are very good at helping you navigate the NHS and get a proper asthma medic.

[Tink1313]

side effects are really individualised but I’ve had good experiences with it when I was on it and that’s with me having bipolar / treatment resistant depression as well

[Flower00]

Hi when I first started with montelukas I experienced some really unpleasant side effects but after a few weeks everything settled and I have not looked back. Stick with it and follow all the advice given above. Wish you well

[Scrofulous]

Been on it for a few years with no problems.

[HLMB22]

thanks everyone! That’s given me some hope about it! And yes I’m seeing an allergy and asthma specialist to try and work out what’s happening with it as it’s never been like this before! Hope everyone is well x

[Cloudancer]

I have javbeen on montelukact for 19 years with no mside effects to speak of.

If you continue to have problems with it do have a chat / see your GP.

Wishing you well.

[Loveducks]

Hi

I just wanted to give my experience. Montelukast had to be yellow carded for me unfortunately. It wasn't improving my asthma in any way and then I had serious mood side effects. The reason I am telling you is because I was only on them for just under 2 weeks when I was immediately told to stop them. You have been on this for 3 weeks and like others it seems to be really helping you, apart from the headaches, but nearly all drugs first of all have side effects. Everyone is different and trust me if like what you have probably googled if it did kick in with mood changes, you, your family or friends will notice. What I learnt from this and why I am telling you, I always read the side effects now and make sure someone close to me knows also. When I had to stop suddenly I immediately improved. Do you mind if I ask why you are thinking of stopping Montelukast, only if it had worked for me, it's something my asthma team would have kept me on long term instead of having to rely on Prednisolone x

[Aquariel]

I'm very prone to headaches from nearly all drugs but this one was brilliant. i took it all summer for years. Doesn't work for me now but I controlled all my asthma with it.Never needed an inhaler with it.

[Goldencbc]

I’ve been on it for 15+ years. No problems. I’m not sure what it does for me anymore. I still have a chronic cough.

[Mrteddycat in reply to Goldencbc]

got put on it today Golden , as well as an allergy test , reg my cat ted lol