Study Links Singulair to Mental Health Risks

New research has revealed potential mental health risks associated with the asthma medication Singulair (montelukast), indicating it may lead to serious psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. Originally marketed by Merck & Co. as a benign alternative for asthma relief since 1998, the drug has been linked to thousands of reports of neuropsychiatric episodes, culminating in the FDA adding a 'black box' warning in 2020. Despite these alarming findings, including a recent presentation at the American College of Toxicology, the FDA does not plan to update the drug's labeling. The findings have reignited concerns among affected families and have led to lawsuits against Merck for failing to adequately warn of these risks. Currently, montelukast remains prescribed to millions, including 1.6 million children, despite the known dangers. Experts continue to call for more thorough investigations into the drug's safety profile.