asking about montelukast for children

@mshamdann You have a young son and he has taken Montelukast 5 twice since his birth. You are concerned and wondering is the drug will cause undesirable heath effects in the future.

You will notice that I added this discussion to the Lung Health group. I did this because Montelukast is prescribed for asthma. Am I correct in assuming your son has asthma?

Members like @jmb73 @merpreb @fighter @spudmato that have discussed related topics and be able to offer information and/or support.

Obviously parents do not want their children taking unnecessary medication or medication that could have long-term unintended consequences. You asked specifically about the nervous system. May I ask if you have heard/read information that this medication can effect the nervous system?

yes my son has asthma according to his doctor .... about the nervous system affection i heard that but i am not sure that's why i am asking about undesirable effects for this drug

@mshamdann- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand what you mean. Sometimes there are just niggling questions that need to be asked. I remember when my son was still a baby with a bad cough. It broke my heart. I am assuming that your son takes Chewable Montelukast. I believe that its brand name is Singulair. I have also taken it for allergies. I don't have asthma but sometimes I have needed something stronger.

I'm not a neurologist but most of the severe side effects that could happen are related to mood changes, such as depression and suicide. I know, I'm the bearer of bad news. But remember that not all children develop this. But it does bears watching.

Also, the FDA has issued warnings about this.
https://www.scarymommy.com/fda-black-box-warning-montelukast-singulair/
https://www.drugs.com/fda-alerts/1654-0.html
Has your son exhibited any signs of emotional upsets (I know that 3-year-olds can be difficult!)?.

hi
thanks for your responce ... i live in Jordan country the brand name for the medicine is Montal ... my son have some behavioral problems .. frankly he is aggressive and have some sharp behavior a little bit .. since his 1st moments in life ( i mean before he take this medicine) but i am asking about this medicine specifically cause there is a doctor told me that this drug affect on childs brain and on nervous system for children IN THE FUTURE .. i didnt talk about the rare side effects which written in the Prescription come with this drug no i mean in the future and after a long period of using this drug that will harm the brain and nervous system for child .. IS THAT TRUE ??? Is THERE ANY STUDY SUPPORT THIS ASSUMBTION ??

thanks

@mshamdann - After reviewing available studies and reviews of Montelukast there is no mention of FUTURE nervous system damage.
The Black Box warning of psychiatric and neurological side effects includes all ages.
Since you mentioned that your son has had behavioral problems since birth I understand your concern.
It may not be a suitable medication for him, unless this is the only medication that helps him.
If he has asthma there may be other drugs that will prevent attacks. If he has nasal allergies, there are others that also could be used.
It is important to discuss this with the doctor treating him since it has the potential to make his behavioral problems worse.

@mshamdann; @astaingegerdm -Yesterday I couldn't find any studies that answered your question. But today I tried again and found this:
https://www.psychreg.org/montelukast-mental-health/
Please keep in mind that no matter what is written about the side effects of any drug doesn't mean that they happen all the time or to every person. I'm sure that you know this.

Does this help at all?

@merpreb - That's pretty much the conclusion of the data I found.
I do know that many children around the world are taking Singulair for asthma with no ill effects. However, I would be very hesitant giving it to a child that already is showing signs of neurological or psychiatric illness.

I know what you mean. However SIngular is excellent for Asthma. And sometimes you have to choose between a rock and a hard place. Do I care more about his breathing or possibly long term problems?

@mshamdann- Have you talked to your child's doctor to determine if you will continue to give your son Montal?