Suicidality and montelukast

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a serious public health problem. Prevention of suicide depends to a great degree on identification and mitigation of its risk factors. Allergy has been associated with mood and anxiety disorders, risk factors for suicidality. Antiallergic medication could modulate or mediate these predictive associations. Recently, the FDA issued a warning raising concerns about the suicidality potential of montelukast and other leukotriene (LT) antagonists. Objective: The purpose of this review is to integrate the emerging interpretations of the link between suicidality, suicide risk factors, allergy and treatment of allergy in particular, with LT antagonists. Methods: We reviewed the available reports on the possible relationships between montelukast, allergy, suicide, suicidality and suicide risk factors. We also present the positions of the FDA, manufacturer, and national organizations of allergists and immunologists on the possible role of montelukast in suicidality. Conclusion: At present, there is insufficient data to prove that there is a link between montelukast and suicidality. Inquiring about mood changes and suicidal ideation should be integrated in general medical practice.

Keywords::

• allergic rhinitis
• allergy
• anxiety
• asthma
• leukotriene antagonists
• montelukast (Singulair^®)
• mood disorders
• self-harm
• suicidal attempt
• suicidal behavior
• suicidal ideation
• suicidality
• suicide
• suicide risk factors

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Jennifer J Ahn, Emily C Stumpf and Humaira Siddiqi for their help with editing. The personnel of the mood and anxiety program of the University of Maryland, and Farooq Mohyuddin, the director of the Saint Elizabeth's Residency training program, are acknowledged for their general support for this project.

Notes