Good old montelukast

[DeanSamson]

Hi,

I have tried montelukast 3 times in the past and all times I couldn't get away with it and it changed my mood etc.

This time my respiratory medicine doctor put me on the pediatric dose of 5mg. It has helped my asthma alot. BUT....... there are some side effect again.... so last year I gained a huge bout of anxiety due to prednisolone and stopping the drug quickly affecting adrenal glands. And I'm still getting over it slowly but surely. Anyhow I think the montelukast is helping it because it's making me so freeeeking tired. I wake up with not bags but rucksack under my eyes I look shattered even after 9 hours kip. I'm also having bouts of dizziness at times. Sooo does anyone else have this sides effects and way to deal with it. Does it eventually go away? Iv been on it for 3 weeks now.

Thanks

Dean

[Hidden]

I do not think those symptoms are from montelukast. I suspect those symptoms are from poorly adrenal glands. Have you had your 9am cortisol levels check recently?

[MacColl]

I was dropping asleep all day when on Montelukast ....even while working or eating a meal, I'd just fall asleep. Still slept all night too, but had troubled dreams in the couple of hours before waking up.

Not much better on the pediatric dose either, so it was stopped.

I started on Uniphyllin 6 weeks ago, and 2x200mg per day made me sleepy again, but that gradually got less over the first month, and the dose is slowly going up this past 10 days - just taken 2x300mg today, so hoping the nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness doesn't return some time through tonight/tomorrow.

I sleep soundly all night with this drug so far, but still get a little sleepy at times during the day.

I'm sure some drugs would be wonderful if it weren't for side effects.

Still, I see JulieVictoria thinks it could be something else, so do check everything.

[DeanSamson in reply to MacColl]

Hi both,

I have had the 9am level checked and all is fine from that end. I had a chest infection about 6 weeks ago and since then I haven't been great. I have been on montelukast about 3 weeks and my asthma is the best its ever been. Yesterday wasnt really I bad day things were ok. Only thing is it makes me agitated.

[MacColl in reply to DeanSamson]

Good to hear ...hope it continues for you, and the agitation settles!

...I survived OK all night, so perhaps I'm getting used to the Uniphyllin - asthma seems slightly better too, despite pollen going up again.

[Superzob]

I've just been put on it, but found it increased my mucous production, so went off it again. Montelukast is an antihistamine, and those always make me feel drowsy. I broke the 10mg tablet in half initially, then in quarters when it seemed to be causing more problems, but I never got above 7.5mg as it seemed counter-productive. Might be worth you shopping around for an alternative. Trouble is, doctors are wedded to this as it works well with most people without significant side effects - they always seem to have a problem with people like us who don't fit the bill!

[MacColl in reply to Superzob]

It's so sickening when yet another drug gives intolerable side effects. I didn't know I was so sensitive to such things until I got asthma.

The nurse was surprised when I said Montelukast made me sleepy, but changed it for something else without any problem. She's been marvellous, and when one gave me a very unpleasant heavy feeling in my chest, she apologised for putting me though yet more problems.

She got a doctor to see me and prescribe Uniphyllin within 10 minutes, and I got some 200mg initially to take twice each day for the first month. I'm gradually increasing it now with an aim for 2x400mg each day in a couple of weeks. Currently up to 1x300 and 1x200mg since yesterday.

I'm finding pollen more of a problem than it used to be now.

[Nanny1086]

Hi Dean , I haven’t had those side effects from Montelukast, but I did have insomnia and when I finally did sleep I had nightmares/ illusions, so I was put on Theophylline,,,but that had the same side effects plus tremors,,, so 2 years on Consultant asked me try Montelukast again ,,,but this time to take it in a morning and its worked fine for me since then , maybe try taking the Montelukast in a morning , I hope this helps even in a small way, ,

[Smiley_Mo]

Montelukast was not for me as I quickly became depressed and had suicidal thoughts. After coming off of them my mental health was fine again. I guess they don't suit everyone.

[hilary39]

I had the crazy nightmares issue with this drug and couldn't take it. So sorry to hear it may have affected you with anxiety. I agree with the person who suggested getting your cortisol levels checked- Good luck!

[DeanSamson in reply to hilary39]

Thanks today has been a bad due. Its catch 22 I either feel like crap but my asthma is better or feel good with bad asthma. I'm off on holiday tomorrow and have such a cloudy head because of these tablets. How can I clear the head quickly. ??

[hilary39 in reply to DeanSamson]

The half life is pretty short so it should clear your blood in a day or two. Just take it easy and keep looking at other alternatives if it's not working for you. Have you looked into Xolair or Nucala? Good luck! Get some rest!