Question: Does Singulair Cause Behavioral Changes or Suicidal Thoughts?
Answer: It's probably too early to tell, but the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned enough about a possible link that it started an investigation, according to a press release issued in March 2008.
This investigation is apparently the result of reports of people attempting suicide while taking Singulair. While there were no reports of suicidality or behavioral changes involving 11,000 patients taking Singulair during the manufacturers' safety studies, there have been reports of these symptoms in people taking the medication since it has been marketed. The FDA release stated that this investigation will take approximately 9 months, after which the results will be reported to the public.
Singulair is an allergy and asthma medication that blocks leukotrienes, chemicals released from mast cells and other immune cells that are involved in causing inflammation of the respiratory tract. Because Singulair could be used to control a person's asthma, it is important that all patients on the drug speak to their doctors before stopping the medication if there are concerns about possible behavioral changes. It is also important to realize that just because a few people taking Singulair attempted suicide does not mean that the medication caused the behavioral changes.
If you are taking Singulair and have concerns about this possible link, speak with your doctor.
Read More:
Source:
FDA News Website. Accessed March 28, 2008.
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