Nightmares, hallucinations, depression: side effects of asthma drug prescribed to children for minor coughs and hay fever
- Montelukast is commonly prescribed for severe asthma, especially in children, but it can have serious psychological side effects
- The US FDA issued a warning, but many doctors are unaware of the risks and even prescribe it for coughs and allergies
When Cindy Yin’s three-year-old daughter, Chloe, spent weeks trying to shake a wet cough and runny nose in December last year, the Hong Kong mother sought help from a family doctor.
Yin says her daughter was prescribed montelukast, a common asthma drug sold in Hong Kong under the brand name Singulair. Within days, she witnessed a change in Chloe.
“An hour after falling asleep Chloe started crying and screaming and I couldn’t calm her. She also had terrible nightmares. But the oddest thing was it seemed like she didn’t recognise me,” recalls Yin.
This month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning – the highest level boxed warning – strengthening an existing warning that the drug was linked to depression, sleeping problems, and suicidal thoughts.
While the drug is seen as an effective treatment for severe and potentially life-threatening asthma, the main concern the FDA raised is that it is being prescribed for mild coughs and hay fever. The added warning advises health care providers to avoid prescribing montelukast for patients with mild symptoms, particularly those with hay fever.