Montelukast for Asthma, Maintenance User Reviews (Page 4)

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2018

"Symptom: Blurred Vision. I was prescribed Singulair for asthma, it was very helpful - my lung capacity was improved as well. But I am suffering from a major side effect. I cannot read for more than 5 minutes as my central vision becomes very blurred. I am an artist and a writer, so you can imagine how distraught I was. I consulted with my eye doctor 4 times concerning this problem and was referred to a specialist – they could not determine what was causing my blurred vision. Having read something on the internet about vision problems occurring with the generic version of Singulair, I reduced my dosage by 50 percent, then to 25 percent over a week’s time. My vision problems have decreased dramatically."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2021

"DO NOT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD TAKE THIS!!!!! I was one of those who swore by this drug at first because it was helping my asthma. But then I slowly noticed a lack of energy, insomnia, depression, mood swings, lighter, shorter periods, etc. All of which could not be explained even with countless tests. Then I started having weird dreams, then came the night sweats, and then the WORST symptom of all, PANCREATITIS!! Which again the doctors were confused as to why I developed this all of a sudden with no cause. I don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t do drugs, yet somehow my pancreas enzymes were through the roof. I couldn’t eat or drink without having pain, I went down to eating once a day only to take my meds at night. The nausea, vomiting, and pain were unbearable. As of 11/04/2021, an ER doctor recommended I stop taking Singulair as it was the only thing linked to all my other symptoms. The doctors are hopeful my pancreas will recover and my other symptoms will subside. DON'T TAKE THIS!!"

• Ell...
• July 27, 2020

Montelukast "I stopped taking Montelukast after several years. Learned of an FDA warning re: cognitive effects. My breathing has worsened significantly in recent months. My breathing worsened this spring 2020 post-MS exacerbation. My air conditioner was occupied by birds - mgmt. neglect of outside grill to prevent birds, bats, etc. I also use AC for MS. Tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 April 2020. Started nebulizer yesterday to complement Advair. I will try Montelukast again. Mood-wise I did not notice anything significant. Anxiety per MS is a given - like living on the edge of a cliff. Stupidity reigned in mgmt as they refused to clean the air conditioner for pathogens. They violated Fair Housing Law - acted in accordance with Human Rights. 30th Ann. of ADA 7-26-20!"

• Pmb...
• October 3, 2020

"For over a year, I was too terrified to try this medicine. However, out of desperation, I too decided to give this medicine a chance, especially since I knew several older people who were taking this. I have terrible depression and anxiety as I came from an abusive family, however, I have NOT had any problems whatsoever with the CVS pharmacy Teva manufacturer (Genetic) Montelukast Sodium 10 mg tablets. I have been taking this medicine for 14 days. It does help with the asthma and allergies, but I highly recommend allergy testing and allergy injections if needed, as injections are more effective along with taking Montelukast. I think the problem that others are having could be a manufacturer problem, as each manufacturer must use a different formula from the other. Also, this medicine is NOT for children or young adults, so be warned! I have nothing but good things to say about this medicine, however, as with any medicine, use extreme caution. I also feared an allergic reaction, but that never happened."

• Tre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2016

"This medication is extremely effective. Well, on it for the very first time, I did not get seasonal asthma or bronchitis. However, I've been uncharacteristically sad and emotional. I've been talking to my friends about it because I can't understand why I'm being so emotional and sensitive. Today, I looked at the bottle and saw the side effects. My emotions became unruly at the same time as I started taking the medication. I will be stopping it immediately."

• Joe...
• March 14, 2018

"I've been having a respiratory infection for about 3 months, with tons of phlegm every single day and asthma on top of it. My doctor prescribed antibiotics - they didn't do anything. Then finally, I was prescribed Singulair. After the first pill, I noticed that I got much more infection symptoms, my phlegm turned back to yellow, and I started getting burning in my belly, liver pain, throbbing headache, and neck ache. After the second pill, I woke up at 4 a.m. with a 104° fever, and I was freezing so much that my teeth were chattering, and my liver pain was off the charts. I stopped taking it immediately, but the fever lasted for another 3 days, and I caught the flu. I would not recommend this drug for anybody that has any type of infection because it will stop your own immune system from fighting the infection, and your infection symptoms will get way worse."

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2020

"I've mild asthma, exacerbated by exposure to chemicals and exercise in extreme weather. May 2020 diagnosed with mold allergy, GP prescribed montelukast—it's modestly reduced symptoms. Suffer from depression and anxiety, generally well-controlled, despite the stress of COVID. Fast-forward to Sept. 2020—depression/anxiety much worse. Frequent suicidal ideation and anxiety that’s much more palpable physiologically. Lost my job, fired for having 'compatibility' issues—very uncharacteristic of me. I see a pattern of suicidal ideation and increased anxiety, agitation, isolating, and quicker to anger than usual and how it's negatively impacted me the past 5 months. Psych dropped me after 3 years—feels incapable of adequately treating me (we'd gone through many med changes since May with no improvement). I see the temporal connection of starting montelukast and am wondering if it's been the culprit all along. Can't believe none of my doctors thought of this despite its black box warning nor gave me any heads-up."

• Che...
• January 2, 2013

"I am in my early 50s and was diagnosed with allergy asthma in June last year. I had bought a puppy and have a cat. I was tested for allergies, and they tested positive to tree and grass pollens, cat, and mainly the dog. I could barely breathe, coughed constantly, and wheezed. I couldn't even walk upstairs without panting and wheezing. I was on two different inhalers and anti-allergy tablets. After my third course of steroid tablets, I was put on montelukast and also Seretide Evohaler. I have been on this medication. I feel totally normal again and, more importantly, I am able to keep my dog!"

• Hol...
• February 14, 2018

"I have been taking Singulair for many years (around 15 years). When I first started taking it, the Singulair worked great. It was not a generic, and I was able to get off steroids by taking it. Within the past 3 months, when I started taking one of the new generics made by Camber Pharmaceutical, my wheezing and coughing started again. This new generic does not work. I found a bottle with about ten of the other Singulair and started taking them, and they worked. I tried again to take the new ones and started wheezing and coughing again."

• cvd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 22, 2017

"Works very well at controlling my asthma. I've been on this medication well over 10 years. I currently take the generic version. I don't notice any difference except in price, it's much cheaper! I'm very happy with how well this medication has performed."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 4, 2021

"I generally try to avoid medicines (allopathic) since they are not without side effects. After turning 40, I suddenly developed asthma when I never had earlier. Doctor linked it to family history and recommended Montelukast. I was never alerted to possible side effects. I have been taking Montelukast on and off for 2 years now without any side effects. I could sleep easily after taking a pill each night. However innocuous the small pills may seem, I didn't want to get addicted to them. After taking it on and off for 2 years, I just googled the side effects (so late) and saw such horrible experiences. I would instead recommend taking natural anti-histamine/anti-allergy food. I take: ginger (1/2 inch), honey (1 teaspoon), black pepper, cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), lemon and mix it together to eat. And also apple cider vinegar (taken separately before meals)."

• yea...
• June 1, 2015

"I've taken both Singulair and Montelukast. The first time I took Singulair, several years ago, I had nightmares filled with horror. I quit taking it. I now take Montelukast and still have unusual and eerie dreams, but they are not full of the horror of those from several years ago. I also find it difficult to sleep more than a few hours at a time, partially because of the dreams, which wake me. However, it controls the night coughing better than any other drug I've used, from prednisone to Advair. I will continue to take it unless the side effects worsen."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 22, 2024

Montelukast "I've had asthma my whole life. I'm also moderately to severely allergic to cats and dogs (and dust, grass, etc.). With Montelukast (Singulair brand name) and Zyrtec-D, I can breathe and enjoy my pets. I took Singulair as a kid. When our allergist, whom our family saw for several decades, left the practice, I didn't have Singulair for a while. I started having severe problems breathing when trying to sleep. I saw a pulmonologist who gave me Montelukast (generic of Singulair). I can breathe again! Without Zyrtec-D, I get a sinus infection within days. Without Singulair, or Montelukast, I have difficulty breathing. I have inhalers too. They don't work as well as these."

• Mom...
• March 24, 2011

"I'll agree with those who say this medication has changed their lives. It really has. Before it came out, I couldn't do anything without needing an inhaler; after using this, I knew what it was like to be 'normal' -- lost 60 pounds, was able to walk distances, go up more than one flight of stairs, even jog short distances and garden (allergy/asthma nightmare before). Now as a mom, I would not be able to keep up with my kids without this medication. To be fair, I will say I improved even more after moving out of the 'smoking home' I grew up in."

• GRP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2023

"I have asthma and chronic long-term allergic rhinitis. I produce a lot of mucus and have ongoing problems with post-nasal drip. I've tried all sorts of treatments over the years, but nothing has really helped. I was hopeful when my GP prescribed montelukast. However, within days of taking this, my condition worsened; I developed chronic sinusitis, otitis media, a sore throat and tongue. The drug made my mucus much thicker, making it hard to get rid of, which is the last thing I needed."

• Kun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

"Please, please, please do not take this drug, montelukast. If you are on it right now, please quit. Given to my 14-year-old son for seasonal exercise-induced asthma 2.5 weeks ago. After about a week of taking it, he would be very anxious during the day, overthink each and every thing, wake up with night sweats, and generally be bogged down unreasonably. Made those two weeks on it a living nightmare. He had issues at school and listening to me. Stopped it 2 days ago and already seeing improvement in his sweating and mood."

• Sky...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2018

"Singular has been a lifesaver for me. It helps both my asthma and allergic rhinitis with no side effects. I go on it every spring and fall, and it completely keeps me from needing steroids and usually rescue inhalers. I haven’t had a single urgent care visit since this med came on the market."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

"It does not prevent my RAD response to my allergens. I now can't afford it. Singulair had allowed me to eat and be around my many other allergens without the cough and nasal drainage. So now I must resort to Benadryl at least twice a day and my rescue inhaler twice daily. It is really sad that the insurance is now making it cost-prohibitive to get Singulair. This has definitely affected my quality of life."

• Pea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2021

"I get a lot of relief with my breathing since taking montelukast. I can now breathe deeply, and it’s also helped my rhinitis. The only brand I can tolerate and not suffer side effects is Dr. Reddy’s. Other brands made me feel depressed and very low... especially Singulair."

• pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2021

"This maintenance medicine helped me with asthmatic effects from allergens from intense pollen or mold seasons, and I also very much appreciate the precautions for mental health effects, released not long ago by the FDA. Physicians may emphasize the maintenance, i.e., daily intake of the medicine, but pharmacists often see this medicine prescribed for seasonal durations, so confirming with my area pharmacist was pivotal with some sleep agitations I experienced after ongoing use of the prescription. You may find it helpful to be open to these facts. For me, a 2-month ongoing intake of this medicine is a max, and a pharmacist explained he in fact most often sees patients prescribed it in 1-2 month durations, often for related allergy seasons. I had the best results coinciding with my routine loratadine 10mg maintenance antihistamine, which proves helpful year-round."

• Raj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2025

Montelukast "I am a pharmacist. Suffering from an allergic, genetic asthmatic condition for a long time. Asthma worsens during polluted conditions. With other medicines, when controlling attacks, during treatment and after, I used Singulair 1 hs. Full, best effective to control asthmatic attacks. No side effects. Thanks, Singulair."

• nlo...
• June 18, 2015

Montelukast "I suffered from asthma for a long time, after taking Singulair, all gone. Thank you!"

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2020

Montelukast "I’ve been using this medication for a few days, and the anxiety is so bad. I think I’m going off of it. It was so expensive to buy, but I can’t handle the way it makes me feel."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

Montelukast "Singulair was so disappointing, I needed a game changer for my asthma, and I was reassured that this could be it. Has made absolutely no difference."

• Lpi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2017

Montelukast "I have been on this for several years now, and it helps to keep attacks down significantly. I can breathe so much better, and it seems to help knock down allergic reactions to many things for me."