Singulair and Insomnia: What Users Say

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "I was given this medication, Singulair, for chronic nasal congestion and rhinitis. After about 2 months, I started to notice my mood changing. I was more argumentative, almost to the point of aggression. When I started to have bizarre dreams, I then researched the side effects of this drug. Here is what was listed: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, aggression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, sleep-walking, memory/attention problems, depression, hallucinations, thoughts of harming yourself/suicide). I immediately stopped taking this medication (it wasn't helping that much anyway) and these side effects have stopped completely. PLEASE be mindful of ALL the side effects of any medications you are taking! I never would have believed that something to help with nasal congestion could cause such problems."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2012

For Allergic Rhinitis "Yes, I think this medicine works in treating allergic rhinitis, but after not being able to sleep at all the night I took it and being extremely agitated with mood swings tapering off into the next day after a full night's sleep, I will take it no more. I think each person needs to weigh the benefits versus the side effects for them. Everyone is, of course, different and each responds in their own way to all of these medicines. Just monitor your reaction to the drug closely if you do decide to use it and make the right decision for you to continue it or not."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "Completely effective for asthma maintenance, side effects - insomnia, weird dreams when able to sleep, headaches, and nosebleeds. Only took for 4 weeks. Unfortunately, now after stopping it, have limited lifestyle (Singulair gave me back a life)."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2011

For Allergic Rhinitis "I had constant sinus infections caused by allergies. Tried several medications, but nothing would work. Doctor finally prescribed Singulair, and I have had relief ever since. The only problem is the medicine can make me very irritable to the point that my wife cannot stand me, and sometimes Singulair can cause insomnia."

• Mar...
• May 4, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "Now, 67 years old, my health plan only permits generic montelukast medication (generic Singulair). I had a very bad experience with this medication. Suffered insomnia, anxiety, and, being with insomnia all night, went into a deep sleep. When my daughter arrived, I had a memory lapse, and being questioned by my daughter, I was giving incoherent replies. After being questioned for a while, I regained consciousness of my daily routine. I imagine I had a blackout experience. Now I'm trying to get original Singulair since I did use it before when I was younger and had none of this experience. I did quit taking this generic form of montelukast medication since the next day after quitting, I slept very well. I will try to purchase Singulair in its original form."

• Hid...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

For Asthma "I was on this for a year with no improvement in my asthma. Two days after getting off of it, I began to have horrific withdrawals, including severe headaches, exhaustion, irritability, weepiness, depression, lightning shocks throughout my body, severe body aches, and inability to sleep. The worst seems to have occurred for 48 hours straight, with no signs of fever or sore throat to indicate flu. After seeing others in forums, it seems to be this medication."

• Oki...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 6, 2022

For Asthma "To the moms reading these reviews because your kid is taking this medicine but you can tell something isn’t right and wonder if it’s Singulair-listen to yourself. My son was on Singulair from the age of 5 until 19. While it did help his asthma, the side effects are not worth it. As a child, he could never sleep, had tremors, sweated like crazy, had anxiety and depression. Watch your child when they get to high school because something can change at that age and it seems the depression gets worse, suicidal thoughts began. My son stopped his meds on his own. Felt a lot better. Started having asthma issues, so he started it again at college for a couple of weeks. He is old enough now to be able to identify his feelings. He told me he stopped taking it and will never take it again because it made him suicidal."

• IL5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2022

For Allergic Rhinitis "I was prescribed this medication after a doctor visit yesterday for an asthma flare-up and allergic rhinitis. It is to be taken 1 tablet every evening. I was not informed of the 'black box warning' verbally by my doctor or pharmacist but did read the pamphlet insert given at RX pickup. I was a bit concerned but read mixed reviews on this site and thought I would give it a try. I will not be taking another dose. After an hour of ingestion, I started feeling slight swelling in the back of my throat and an increased heart rate. It wasn't severe but definitely noticeable. Two hours passed, and I was getting a headache, so I went to bed and had insomnia. I massaged my scalp, relieved some headache pressure, and finally fell asleep. The medication did seem to dry up the post-nasal drip, but I awoke with my face looking as if I had spent the day in the sun. These side effects are not worth the long list of 'possible' short-term and long-term side effects it has on the body. I will seek natural remedies for relief."

• Mam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 11, 2021

For Asthma "Singulair helps long term to control asthma. It does affect moods. I take it at bedtime, sometimes, it makes me have insomnia. I’m not sure about headaches, as I take inhalers that could cause that."