Merck, like all drug companies, must monitor side effects after a drug is approved for use since now millions of people will be using it. During this monitoring process, Merck found a question of whether someone taking Singulair may have committed suicide as a side effect, or whether the Singulair just happened to be a medicine the person was taking at the time.
Merck's statement is at this web site:
www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/product/2008_0327.html
In response to this report, the FDA now has decided to help find out if Singulair could have a side effect of suicidal ideation. The FDA anticipates it will take 9 months to find the answer. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm/montelukast.htm
At Advanced Pediatrics, we are not aware of any biological reason that Singulair should cause depression or increase the risk of suicide. For those whose normal breathing relies on the use of Singulair, we agree with the FDA that it remains the safe choice to continue using Singulair. Of course, whether you take Singulair or not, if you find your child is thinking about hurting themselves, please contact us.
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