Does Singulair Make You Sleepy?
Key Takeaways
- Singulair (montelukast) is not classified as a sedating medication, but some people report drowsiness or tiredness while taking it.
- Sleep-related side effects such as trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, or sleepwalking are more commonly reported than daytime sleepiness.
- Singulair carries an FDA boxed warning for serious mental health side effects, which may indirectly affect sleep and energy levels.
- Not everyone experiences drowsiness, and reactions vary based on age, dose, and individual sensitivity.
- A healthcare provider can help determine whether Singulair is contributing to sleepiness or whether another treatment may be more appropriate.
What Is Singulair?
Singulair is the brand name for montelukast, a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is used to help prevent acute asthma attacks, manage asthma symptoms, and relieve allergy symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Singulair is available in several dosage forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules. It is commonly prescribed for both adults and pediatric patients, including those with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or exercise-induced asthma.
Does Singulair Cause Drowsiness?
Drowsiness is not listed as one of the most common side effects of Singulair, but some people do report feeling tired or sleepy while taking it. Compared with antihistamines such as Zyrtec, which are more likely to cause drowsiness, Singulair is generally considered non-sedating.
However, tiredness can still occur, especially during the first few days of taking montelukast or when the body is adjusting to the medication. In some cases, sleepiness may be related to other side effects, such as sleep disruption or changes in mental health.
How Singulair Works in the Body
Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals released in response to an allergen, contributing to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.
By blocking leukotriene receptors, montelukast helps keep airways open and reduces inflammation linked to asthma symptoms and allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Unlike antihistamines, Singulair does not block histamine and does not directly cause sedation.
Sleep-Related Side Effects of Singulair
While drowsiness is not common, Singulair has been associated with several sleep-related adverse effects.
These may include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Sleepwalking
- Restlessness during sleep
These effects fall under a broader category of neuropsychiatric events, which prompted the FDA to issue a boxed warning for Singulair.
Mental Health Side Effects and Fatigue
Singulair has been linked to mental health side effects in some people, including:
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggressive behavior
- Thoughts of suicide or suicidal thoughts
These neuropsychiatric events can affect sleep quality and daytime energy levels. Poor sleep caused by vivid dreams or nighttime restlessness may lead to daytime tiredness, which can feel like drowsiness even if the medication itself is not sedating.
Anyone experiencing behavior changes or mental health symptoms should seek medical advice promptly.
Is Singulair More Likely to Cause Sleepiness in Children?
Pediatric patients may experience side effects differently than adults. Children taking chewable tablets or oral granules have reported sleepwalking, nightmares, irritability, and changes in behavior.
Sleep disturbances in children may lead to daytime tiredness or changes in attention and behavior. Parents and caregivers should monitor children closely and report any unusual sleep or behavior changes to a healthcare provider.
Singulair Compared With Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and hay fever. Some antihistamines, particularly older ones, are known to cause drowsiness.
Newer antihistamines like Zyrtec are less sedating but can still cause sleepiness in some people. Singulair works differently and generally does not cause the same sedative effects, though individual responses vary.
Drug Interactions and Other Factors
Certain drug interactions may influence how Singulair affects energy levels. Medications such as phenobarbital can reduce montelukast levels in the body, potentially altering its effectiveness.
Supplements, other prescription drugs, and underlying medical conditions may also contribute to tiredness. Always review all medications and over-the-counter supplements with a healthcare professional.
When Drowsiness Might Be More Noticeable
Sleepiness or tiredness may be more noticeable:
- When first starting Singulair
- When taken in the evening
- If sleep is disrupted by vivid dreams or nightmares
- If mental health side effects develop
Some people are advised to take Singulair in the evening for asthma symptoms, which may affect how sleep-related side effects are perceived.
Breastfeeding and Fatigue
Small amounts of montelukast may pass into breast milk. While it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, changes in sleep or energy levels should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
What to Do If Singulair Makes You Sleepy
If you feel unusually tired while taking Singulair:
- Do not stop the medication without medical advice
- Monitor when symptoms occur and how severe they are
- Discuss side effects with a healthcare provider
- Ask about alternative treatments if symptoms persist
Other allergy medications, inhaler-based treatments, or asthma management strategies may be considered.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Severe mood changes or aggressive behavior
- Confusion or significant sleep disturbances
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing
These may indicate serious side effects of Singulair.
Bottom Line
Singulair does not typically cause drowsiness, but some people may feel tired while taking it. Sleep-related side effects and mental health changes are more commonly reported than direct sedation. Because reactions vary, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine whether Singulair is the best option for managing asthma or allergy symptoms.
FAQs
Does Singulair make you sleepy during the day?
Singulair is not considered a sedating medication, but some people report daytime tiredness. This may be related to sleep disruption or other side effects rather than direct drowsiness.
Is drowsiness more common in children taking Singulair?
Children may be more likely to experience sleep-related side effects such as nightmares or sleepwalking. These issues can lead to day