Q: I am a menopausal woman who has had asthma my entire life. Upon reaching menopause, however, it seems to have gotten worse and my doctor put me on Singulair.
I have had some really bad seizures since then with loss of bowel control, a badly bitten tongue, severe depression and thoughts of suicide. Do you think they are related and how would you proceed?
A: Singulair is prescribed to prevent asthma attacks in individuals one year of age and up, exercise-induced bronchospasms in those six and older and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in people 15 and older. It is a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotrienes are chemicals the body releases when an individual breathes in pollen or other allergens. When the chemicals are released, the result is tightening of the muscles around airways and swelling in the lungs, making it extremely difficult to breathe. The product may not work immediately and can take several weeks after initiation before symptoms improve. This is normal.
Side effects of montelukast, the active ingredient in Singulair, include worsening symptoms, skin rash, mood or behavioral changes, anxiety, easy bruising, depression, suicidal thoughts, tremors, sinus pain or irritation, headache, fatigue, fever, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and more. Seizures are rare but have been reported. Paresthesias (numbness and tingling), hypoesthesia (an unusually poor response to stimulation such as touch, pain, heat and cold) and drowsiness have been reported in post-marketing experiences.
Those on this medication should avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to include ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, some arthritis medications, Indocin and more. It is extremely important your physician has a complete listing of all prescribed medications, over-the-counters and supplements you are taking to be assured there will be no unwanted effects from the drug.
Based on my observations, I do believe the effects you are experiencing are directly related to the Singulair but without knowing how long you have been on the medication in relation to when the symptoms started, I cannot be certain. Therefore, I recommend you make an appointment with your prescribing physician and ask if there is another medication he or she might be able to prescribe that does not have the unwanted side effects you experience. Of major concern is that a seizure could occur when you are driving down the highway, you may act on those suicidal tendencies, the depression may impact you and everyone around you, having a very negative and permanent effect on your life. We all respond differently to drugs, even the common aspirin. I can only surmise Singulair is not for you.
Menopause can have an adverse effect on a woman because of the hormonal changes that occur. While a normal part of life, the impact can unexpectedly cause depression, hot flashes, fatigue, anxiousness, and more. If you find you are unable to deal with the changes within your body, speak with your physician or gynecologist for his or her suggestions regarding possible hormone replacement therapy and anti-depressants. If you are able to deal with this change in your life, embrace it with open arms, eat well and exercise as much as possible. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
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