Montelukast and Headaches: What Users Say

• Dee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 3, 2019

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "I have been taking this medication for a few years to treat allergies. At first, I would get headaches, but they went away after a few months of use. I do not have anxiety issues with the use of this drug. This drug is a lifesaver for my allergy symptoms, and I will continue to use this drug."

• Kdh...
• September 26, 2019

For Asthma "My daughter had her life ruined by this drug! Had I known I wouldn’t have given it to her! It was good for the asthma at night at first. Then she started having nightmares, odd behavior, aggressive & hyper. The asthma nurse said it was a phase & put the dose up. The next day she was suffering with awful headaches and started to hallucinate...wouldn’t go out in public & ran into oncoming traffic because her brain told her to. Had panic attacks, admitted to hospital for the headaches. I mentioned the drug, they ignored it, took her to doctor who prescribed it to her and he said the drug had crossed the brain barrier causing inflammation and prescribed antibiotics...discontinued it...improvement but my girl will never be the same again...she’s now diagnosed with severe anxiety, OCD & SPD...under CAMHS, mental health, had school counseling...and still to this day no help with withdrawal didn’t go into any detail, no doctor, nurse, or pharmacy will acknowledge that this drug has done this to my girl."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2018

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "This drug is not for everyone. I took it for just three days and got very depressed, even to the point of having really dark thoughts, had a constant headache, an upset stomach, deep soreness in my teeth, mood swings, and irritability. However, it did help my allergies. Be very conscious of how you feel when you try this drug."

• rav...
• August 2, 2013

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "Started taking Singulair with Zyrtec 3 weeks ago for a severe allergy I developed to my 3 pet rabbits. No side effects to speak of (I did have a headache one day, but I don't think it's related) and today I held one of my bunnies for the first time in 6 months without allergy symptoms. Now I don't have to get rid of some beloved family members!"

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2024

For Allergies "I never write reviews, but I felt like I had to write this one for the others out there dealing with similar breathing issues. I struggle with my mental health on a daily basis, so I was pretty scared to start this pill after reading about all the potential side effects. I have constant allergies/asthma symptoms and what I believe is undiagnosed sleep apnea. I got to the point where I really couldn’t breathe anymore, especially at night, and I had no other option than to start this emergency pill. I’m on day 15 of 30, and I’m so glad I started it. I can finally breathe through my nose again, and I'm not wheezing as much. I take it at 8:30 PM. I haven't experienced any side effects other than minor and occasional headaches shortly after taking the pill. It's not a fix-all miracle pill (no pill is), but it really helped me. It’s pretty horrible not being able to breathe and impacts so much of a person’s life. My heart goes out to everyone else struggling with breathing issues."

• ind...
• December 14, 2011

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "This product seemed to help with my allergies somewhat, but after several months of suffering a large increase in migraine headaches, my neurologist and I decided to stop using Singulair. The constant tightness in my head was gone within a week. It seems that this is a common side effect of this medicine. Migraine sufferers beware!"

• Cas...
• April 7, 2015

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "Been suffering from ETD for about two years. I've been on Singulair for about 4 months, and it has dramatically improved my symptoms, no more ear crackling. Occasional tiredness and headache, but it's tolerable. It has helped me tremendously."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2012

Montelukast for Asthma, Maintenance "Completely effective for asthma maintenance, side effects - insomnia, weird dreams when able to sleep, headaches, and nosebleeds. Only took for 4 weeks. Unfortunately, now after stopping it, have limited lifestyle (Singulair gave me back a life)."

• Min...
• May 14, 2017

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "I have severe allergies to tree pollen. I took my first dose of this, and within an hour and a half, I had severe shaking, chills, and tingling tongue. Extreme headache. Sitting here wondering whether I should head to the ER."

• jba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2019

For Asthma "My daughter is 4 years old and developed these behaviors over the course of 18 months. We were not informed about any of these side effects, and no monitoring was done either. Extreme fear, eczema, vivid nightmares, extreme fear of sleeping, facial infections, sleep disturbance, bedwetting, burning genitals and eyes, anxiety, depression, aggression/hostility, attention problems, bad dreams, hallucinations, hearing voices, irritability, memory problems, headaches, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, skin infections, runny nose, itching genitals, confusional state, crying inconsolable, difficulty concentrating, difficulty drawing, intentional self-harm, irrational fear of the dark, growling and hissing. We assumed all this was normal behavior for our, at the time, 2-3-year-old daughter. I wouldn't recommend this drug at all without proper monitoring."

• Hid...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

Montelukast for Asthma "I was on this for a year with no improvement in my asthma. Two days after getting off of it, I began to have horrific withdrawals, including severe headaches, exhaustion, irritability, weepiness, depression, lightning shocks throughout my body, severe body aches, and inability to sleep. The worst seems to have occurred for 48 hours straight, with no signs of fever or sore throat to indicate flu. After seeing others in forums, it seems to be this medication."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2013

For Asthma "I'm 28 and have asthma. I tried Singulair a few years ago, which helped my asthma and allergies. I recently began to have asthma flare-ups again and started taking the generic. This time I am noticing side effects. I have frequent headaches, which may or may not be from the medicine but could be from lack of sleep that I definitely attribute to this medicine. I get so exhausted but can't fall asleep until sometimes 6 a.m., then walk around like a zombie the next day only to repeat the pattern. I am prone to depression but have not noticed it worsening. I am not a crier but now tear up over everything, happy or sad. I have sharp pain in my ears. Dry eyes."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2021

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "Singulair is horrible!! It made my face swell, and I had extreme flushing. It made me itch all over! Gave me bad diarrhea and headaches. I would not recommend this drug to anyone!! DO NOT TAKE THIS STUFF, PLZ!!!"

• Tom...
• May 25, 2020

For Bronchospasm Prophylaxis "Singulair was helping my breathing while I was continuing to use it, but I wasn’t okay at all, and I just figured out that around 15 days since the last dosage, after 7-8 months of using 10 mg, I had hard breathing, headache, feeling nauseous, insomnia, sleeplessness, shaking, and a rapid heartbeat. But the big problem was my mental issue, so my mood changed negatively, and I had depression and anxiety. However, after the hard time visiting many doctors to find the problems, I found that after reading people's experiences over multiple websites, it’s the Singulair. Plus, it returned me back to the past, around 5-6 months ago when I had stopped taking it. I remembered I went to the emergency room and had several side effects until I took it again, once a day before sleeping. I am not recovered 100%, but for sure I will be okay very soon since I quit taking this pill, and I hope everyone is okay. Please ask a qualified doctor before using it and make sure to know the side effects and when to use and stop."

• cgo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2021

For Asthma "I have asthma, and during allergy season, I get such bad coughs that I can't sleep at night, can't exercise, and really have difficulties enjoying my days. Doctor gave me a steroid inhaler, Singulair, and Zyrtec. The inhaler and Zyrtec knocked my symptoms from a 10 to a 7 but did not really help that much. I started taking Singulair, and that brought it down to a 2 within a week. I was able to sleep better, BUT I developed headaches, skin rashes all over my legs and my belly, and had rapid weight gain (2 pounds a day!). Even though I enjoy the relief it brought from my asthma, I have to get off it to ensure I do not develop weight-related sicknesses due to my rapid weight gain."

• hyp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2016

For Allergic Rhinitis "Since I moved into a new house, I began having respiratory problems, occasional wheezing, and breathing difficulty with exertion. Allergies came back negative, and antihistamines had no effect, so my doctor gave me an inhaler and Singulair. I started on Singulair first to avoid taking extra medications I might not need. From the first day on Singulair, the mild symptoms I had improved, but I also had a mild headache most of the time. By the third day, the headache became horrible, so much pain that I felt nausea and chills. I will not be taking it again ever."

• Ros...
• November 13, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "On montelukast, I had headaches, restlessness, restless leg, and acid reflux got worse. My whole body ached. Then I started having dreams. It felt like these vivid dreams would last all night. I was falling asleep earlier and waking up later. Sleeping 10+ hours and woke feeling I had not slept at all. The dreams turned into vivid nightmares waking me. I was exhausted. I was in a constant fog, and my brain and body didn't want to function. I stopped montelukast 6 days ago. I don't feel normal yet. Still dreaming and tired, but the dreams are less vivid and not scary. I'm still sore and worn out, and I've had an achy stomach since I stopped, but I'm not sure if it's an effect of this. The only positive is it did help with the asthma, and now that I stopped, I can feel it again. I will take asthma over the effects of this medication any day, though. I am giving a negative rating since the terrible side effects so greatly outweigh the benefits. It completely destroyed my quality of life by the end period of taking this."

• Mon...
• June 8, 2017

For Allergic Rhinitis "I was on the brand Singulair 10 mg for a month. It was helping, and everything was fine with no side effects. I ordered a refill, and I got the generic. I took it for 4 days. Since day 1, I was feeling a bit weak, I thought it might just be a bad day. Then on day 2, it started increasing. I took the pill for 4 days and then stopped it. I had really bad anxiety and am not able to concentrate. I have a lot of bilateral head pressure and brain fog. My doctor, while prescribing this medicine, did not tell me any of these side effects. I have decided to do research on a drug before taking it. This is a clear case where the doctor is not aware of the side effects. 2 days off, still have anxiety and brain fog."

• cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "I decided to try Montelukast (generic of Singulair) after a severe bout of cough/flu aggravated by my asthma, which lasted for well over 8 weeks. Initially, I had a very bad headache for at least a week, unabating, and the unusual fatigue and tiredness, regardless of what activity I did. The headache dissipated, but the lethargy has continued, and I never felt like I regained the energy I used to have. So this is very disturbing. I had hoped that after persisting with it for 4-5 months, I would feel better, but I don't. The tiredness pretty much starts almost immediately after I have taken the tablet in the evening. The other thing which is annoying is the stupid, senseless dreams, which I find very hard to wake up from!"

• IL5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2022

Montelukast for Allergic Rhinitis "I was prescribed this medication after a doctor visit yesterday for an asthma flare-up and allergic rhinitis. It is to be taken 1 tablet every evening. I was not informed of the 'black box warning' verbally by my doctor or pharmacist but did read the pamphlet insert given at RX pickup. I was a bit concerned but read mixed reviews on this site and thought I would give it a try. I will not be taking another dose. After an hour of ingestion, I started feeling slight swelling in the back of my throat and an increased heart rate. It wasn't severe but definitely noticeable. Two hours passed, and I was getting a headache, so I went to bed and had insomnia. I massaged my scalp, relieved some headache pressure, and finally fell asleep. The medication did seem to dry up the post-nasal drip, but I awoke with my face looking as if I had spent the day in the sun. These side effects are not worth the long list of 'possible' short-term and long-term side effects it has on the body. I will seek natural remedies for relief."

• Cut...
• July 24, 2018

For Asthma "Went to urgent care for breathing troubles. The nurse did a breathing treatment and prescribed me a rescue inhaler, Zpac for inflammation, cetirizine, and montelukast (Singulair). I was pregnant at the time. All the drugs were B-rated or above except for the Singulair - a D for pregnancy. I was hesitant about this drug therefore from the start. I took it for about a week with no improvements. I woke up with a headache each day and experienced throat tightness and labored breathing - not asthma wheeziness from it. One night my throat got very tight, so I took the rescue inhaler and saw no improvement. I went to the ER. The doc determined I had an anxiety reaction and not an asthma attack as my breathing sounded very clear. That night I decided to ditch the Singulair and never take it again in my life. This drug caused more breathing troubles and anxiety in less than a week. I'm so glad I went with my instinct and quit the drug to protect me and my unborn child."

• Sdl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2017

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have chronic postnasal drip. I have had no success with OTC allergy meds. My ENT decided to try generic Singulair. First night I was wide awake all night and had uncontrollable muscle tremors and twitches. The next day I had a headache, stomach ache, heartburn, and terribly dizzy. Next night I had difficulty sleeping, terrible vivid nightmares, night sweats. Woke with a low fever, as well as all those other symptoms, felt teary for no reason. Thought I had the flu, but when looking up if 'sweats and nightmares' are Singulair side effects, I found all my issues were! Tried to stay with Singulair as I knew it was one that needs to build up, but after a week and no effect on my drip, it was too awful to bear anymore. Was not good for me, unfortunately."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2013

For Asthma "I started taking it about a year ago. It has reduced my need for an inhaler, but recently I ran out, and as I had been experiencing anxiety, I decided to see how I went without it. I immediately noticed a tight chest and wheeziness, and I was not anxious at all, but I also noticed I started getting headaches and pins and needles. I then started taking them again, and the headaches and pins and needles disappeared, but I am curious as to whether they are linked."

• Lir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

For Allergic Rhinitis "I was prescribed this for severe chest and nasal congestion and cough. I can't take antihistamines, so I was prescribed this. After the first night, I started getting headaches, sinus pain, dizziness, and fatigue. By the end of the fourth day, all had worsened to the point where I almost dozed off while driving and experienced severe pain and swelling above my gum line, where your sinus cavity is located. I read the documentation from the pharmacy and discovered these are all side effects. I stopped using it, and the pain and swelling in my mouth is almost gone. It did little or nothing to relieve the cough or congestion, in fact, it seemed to aggravate it. The effects will vary according to the individual, but make sure to read about and stay alert for any side effects."

• Joe...
• March 14, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "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."