For decades, people with asthma have turned to the drug montelukast for relief.

Montelukast was originally developed and sold by Merck, under the brand name Singulair.

The FDA firstcaught windof a potential link between montelukast and these symptoms in 2008.

Following reports of suicide and other mental health problems, montelukast is no longer recommended as a frontline treatment for asthma and allergy.

Following reports of suicide and other mental health problems, montelukast is no longer recommended as a frontline treatment for asthma and allergy.© Hiroshi Watanabe via Getty

The new labeling more strongly emphasized the potential risk of suicide and other mental health effects from taking montelukast.

Rather, people should only use it if other treatments have failed to help them.

Previous research has shown that montelukast can reach the brain.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Another key point is where the drug was found accumulating in the brain.

There are still crucial pieces of the puzzle missing, however.

Were not sure exactly how this binding leads to the problems that some people experience while taking montelukast.

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For now, at least, the situation surrounding its use will remain the same.

Merck may yet have to answer for its original handling of the drug.

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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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