On March 27, 2008,  the Food and Drug Administration released information about a commonly used medication used to treat Allergies and Asthma, Singulair.  As a part of their monitoring procedure, they noticed that there had been extremely rare cases of “mood changes and suicidal behavior” in patients who coincidentally were on Singulair (not taking into account other medications, social situations, medical problems or family situations…).  

The most important thing to understand is that there have been no indications that Singulair CAUSED these changes.  

An interesting way to think about this issue is as follows:  These same people may have brushed their teeth in the morning…obviously brushing your teeth does not CAUSE behavior changes or suicidal behavior; however it is ASSOCIATED with this behavior in these people (i.e. people that brush their teeth may have mood changes).  

The big question is:  Does Singulair CAUSE behavior changes/suicidal thoughts?  

According to studies done by the Manufacturer of Singulair (Merck), “…in over 11,000 adults and children in over 40 studies who were treated with SINGULAIR, there were no reports of suicidal thoughts or actions and no completed suicides in the patients who received SINGULAIR.”  

So, where does this leave us?  Here are the important points:  

1. Singulair has never been shown to Cause Behavior Changes or Suicidal Behavior.

2. Singulair has been used successfully to treat Allergies and Asthma in millions of patients.

3. Until further information is available to indicate problems, I am recommending that there be NO changes in my patients’ use of Singulair.  Continue taking Singulair as prescribed.

4.  If you note Behavior Changes or Suicidal thoughts, call my office immediately for evaluation of the situation.  

As the situation evolves, I will keep you up to date.  The FDA is anticipating up to 9 months to draw any conclusions in this difficult to evaluate situation.