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Singulair (Montelukast) & Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events Consisting of: Inpatient Depressive Disorder, Outpatient Depressive Disorder, Self-Harm, and Suicide

    Basic Details
    Status
    Complete
    Last Updated
    Thursday, March 5, 2020
    Health Outcome(s)
    inpatient depressive disorder
    outpatient depressive disorder
    self-harm
    suicide
    Purpose
    Drug and Outcome Analysis
    Meets requirements of FD&C Act Sec 505(o) prior to requiring a PMR
    No
    Regulatory Determination / Use

    FDA presented a Sentinel study at a 2019 Advisory Committee of the risk of mental health side effects with montelukast compared to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). In this study, FDA did not identify an elevated risk of hospitalized and treated outpatient depressive disorders, self-harm, and suicides among patients aged 6 years and older with asthma using montelukast compared to ICS. FDA also found no evidence that the risk of mental health side effects was modified by the 2008 FDA Early Communication. However, after reviewing the available information and convening a panel of outside experts, FDA strengthened the existing warnings about serious behavior and mood-related changes with montelukast by requiring a Boxed Warning because the benefits of montelukast may not outweigh the risks in patients with mild symptoms who could be adequately treated with other medicines.