The Effects of Montelukast Sodium on Sleep

Montelukast sodium is used in the treatment of seasonal allergies and asthma. It blocks receptors in the body that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation along the passageway to the lungs. It is very valuable as a preventive measure against asthma attacks but should not be used to treat an acute attack already underway. This drug is occasionally cited as having some adverse effects on sleep in certain patients.

Basic Information

• Montelukast sodium, sold under the name Singulair in the United States and Openair in Pakistan, was created by the pharmaceutical company Merck and named after Montreal, where it was invented. Commonly prescribed to treat seasonal allergies, the drug is also used as a preventative agent against asthma attacks. The drug targets the leukotriene receptor, which causes constriction of the bronchial tubes, and blocks the receptor from triggering. Montelukast sodium, particularly preferable for its lack of negative interactions with other drugs, is often combined with other prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications.

Uses

• The drug should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms and will not stop an asthma attack that is already underway. Used only as a preventative agent, it needs to be taken prior to exposure to any sort of allergen. The typical prescription for use is one pill taken once nightly, with an active period of around 24 hours.

Side Effects

• As of June 12, 2009, the Federal Food and Drug Administration concluded their review of the post-marketing surveillance data surrounding the use of Singulair. They found a number of common side effects, including a sub-set of sleep-related side effects, which had gone unrecorded during the clinical trial stages of the drug testing process. The most commonly cited side effects of Montelukast sodium were gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity, increased prevalence of sleep disorders, and an increased tendency to bleed. Specifically, the drug was cited as causing insomnia in a small number of patients. Additionally, there were a very small number of reports of hallucinations, sleep cycle changes, uncontrollable restlessness, dream abnormalities, and apparent lack of dreams. As with any serious side effect, if you are experiencing any of the above effects, speak with your doctor or health care professional about your options.