Citation

Manalai P, Woo JM, Postolache TT. Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 2009; 8(3): 273-282.

Affiliation

Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 685 West Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 930, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1517/14740330902932688

PMID

19505261

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.

Language: en