If you take montelukast and are experiencing excessive tiredness, it is natural to wonder whether montelukast makes you sleepy. It does. Tiredness is considered one of the possible side effects according to the FDA-approved information about this drug; however, it is not included in the list of common side effects. The use of montelukast leads to the appearance of certain adverse effects related to the central nervous system.
The drug is prescribed to treat allergic reaction symptoms and asthma, as it blocks the function of leukotrienes, which cause inflammatory responses and allergic reactions.
Can Montelukast Make You Sleepy?
As stated in the FDA-approved information, drowsiness is considered one of the adverse effects on the nervous system caused by this drug. However, the level of its severity can vary depending on the person.
If you are new to this drug and feel very tired during the daytime, it would be wise to visit your doctor or pharmacist. There are numerous causes of tiredness other than montelukast usage.
Why Does Montelukast Cause Drowsiness?
However, the exact process leading to sleepiness as a result of the intake of montelukast is unknown.
Montelukast is different from regular antihistamines. This medicine is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks leukotrienes and inflammation. Montelukast is not supposed to cause sleepiness.
Nevertheless, drowsiness has become an adverse effect of this drug. According to FDA prescription information, drowsiness falls under nervous system reactions induced by the influence of montelukast.
It means that one might be sleepy due to the intake of the drug; however, it does not mean that all people using it experience the adverse effect.
Is Drowsiness a Common Adverse Effect of Montelukast?
Drowsiness is not considered a common side effect of montelukast by the FDA.
FDA says that there is a list of adverse effects that usually occur more frequently in specific groups of the population or patients having certain diseases, such as headache, upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and others.
Nonetheless, people may have different reactions to the medicine, and therefore uncommon side effects may appear in some particular patients.
If you experience mild sleepiness as a result of taking montelukast, inform your doctor about it.
Does Montelukast Induce Sleepiness in the Evening?
Some patients use montelukast in the evening depending on their disease and the instructions of a healthcare professional. However, it is necessary to follow the recommended dose and frequency of drug intake and not change them to increase the effect of drowsiness.
In case you have noticed increased drowsiness, let your doctor or pharmacist know about it.
It is important to remember that there can be various sleep disorders caused by montelukast depending on patients. Some patients feel drowsiness, while others have sleep problems such as insomnia, vivid dreams, restlessness, and even sleepwalking.
Montelukast and Other Side Effects
It is only one possible side effect of the medicine.
Depending on a number of various factors, side effects may be:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Sleep symptoms
- Bizarre dreams
- Unusual behavior
- Mood symptoms
According to the FDA prescribing information, drowsiness can be considered one of the possible nervous system side effects.
Important Montelukast Psychiatric Side Effect Information
It is crucial safety information that each patient taking montelukast should know.
The FDA requires the presence of the Boxed Warning about the severe psychiatric side effects caused by the use of montelukast. These side effects include agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, unusual dreams, sleepwalking, insomnia, and suicidal ideation or behavior.
According to the FDA, patients are advised to stop the use of the medication and see a doctor in case of any mood or behavior changes. Also, some side effects were observed even after stopping the use of the medication.
In case of any suicidal ideation, self-injury, hallucinations, behavior or mood changes, and other psychiatric side effects, seek medical help immediately.
Is Montelukast a Sleeping Medicine?
No.
It is not a sedative medication and does not serve to treat sleep disorders, including insomnia. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor blocker that treats different medical conditions, including asthma and allergic rhinitis.
The drowsiness of the drug indicates its side effect rather than therapeutic effect.
Hence, you should not use montelukast with the intent to get sleepy.
What If You Take Montelukast for Your Allergies?
The medication is also used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. According to the FDA, however, montelukast is recommended to be prescribed only to those patients who do not respond well to other allergy medications because of the possibility of severe neuropsychiatric effects.
If you experience sleepiness and other problems while taking montelukast for your allergies, consult your doctor about other treatment options. Do not stop using your medications without consulting the specialists.
When Should You Contact a Doctor?
Consult your doctor in case:
- Excessive or long-lasting sleepiness.
- Trouble staying awake during usual activities.
- Feeling uncomfortable when driving.
- Sleepiness developed right after starting montelukast therapy.
- Taking additional drugs causing drowsiness.
- Having strange dreams or sleepwalking.
- There are significant mood or behavior changes.
Conclusion
Hence, is there a risk of feeling sleepy when using montelukast? Indeed, one of the possible side effects of taking montelukast is sleepiness, and it is not the most common among others. There can be many different impacts of montelukast on sleep and neuropsychiatric adverse reactions like odd dreams, insomnia, agitation, and sleepwalking. Because of the possible mental disorders stated in the FDA Boxed Warning, not all unusual changes in mood, behavior, or sleep can be considered to be side effects of montelukast.
If you feel excessive sleepiness after montelukast intake, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to figure out the causes of your complaints and change your therapy if required. Medical disclaimer: The content of this article is written for educational purposes only and cannot substitute for professional medical advice.
