Singulair, a very popular drug prescribed for asthma and allergies is being investigated by the FDA for its possible association with suicidal behavior.

The FDA is working with Merck, the maker of Singulair, to review a handful of reports involving mood changes, suicidal behavior and suicide in patients who have taken the popular drug.

The company said none of the 11,000 patients enrolled in 40 Singulair trials has committed suicide, but the FDA asked Merck to further evaluate the company's data for evidence of possible links.
Merck has updated the drugs labeling four times in the past year to include information on a range of reported side effects including tremors, anxiousness, depression and suicidal behavior.

The FDA warns that patients should not stop taking Singulair before talking to their doctor and one local allergist strongly agrees.

"The best advice I can give is that If you or your child has asthma problems and there has been no past history of mental problems or psychological disorders, then I would continue the medicine, and if you are concerned at that point- discuss it with your physician. If you or your child has had some psychological issues to deal with, then I think it would behoove you to talk it over with your doctor, as soon as possible, before discontinuing the medication," said Dr. Robert McQueen, an allergist with the Asthma & Allergy Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

The FDA is urging both healthcare professionals and patients to report side effects from the use of Singulair to their MedWatch reporting system.

The link below will bring you to that reporting site.