Montelukast-associated Serious Mental Health Adverse Effects: An Overview

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, is frequently used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Despite its effectiveness, there are rising concerns about potential neuropsychiatric side effects, such as agitation, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation. It is crucial to examine clinical evidence to better understand these adverse reactions and ensure patient safety. This review aims to assess the clinical evidence regarding neuropsychiatric side effects associated with montelukast use. By analyzing studies from various databases, the goal is to equip healthcare professionals with a thorough understanding of these side effects, encouraging cautious use of montelukast in clinical settings. The literature was searched in databases, such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Ebsco, Embase, and reference lists, to identify publications relevant to neuropsychiatric side effects associated with the use of montelukast. Various studies consistently reported a range of neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, including agitation, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation. The findings indicated a notable association between montelukast and these neuropsychiatric symptoms across various patient populations and age groups. Clinicians should be aware of the serious mental health side effects of montelukast.