Do you need a prescription for singulair?

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’ve got a stuffy nose or a wheezy chest. And if it’s been longer than three days, my heart goes out to you. Breathing is key to survival, so let’s do what we can to make sure our respiratory system isn’t giving up on us just yet!

Enter Singulair – the medication that wants your lungs in great shape more than your seventh-grade gym coach wanted them.

WHAT IS SINGULAIR?

Singulair, known generically as montelukast, belongs to the family of leukotriene inhibitors used for the treatment of asthma and allergies. Leuko-what? In case you wondered why your Biology teacher went on so much about ‘prostaglandins’ and ‘leukotrienes,’ these are molecules produced by cells in response to injury or infection. They work with blood cells’ natural defense mechanism and basically ensure a cohesive anti-inflammation effect when cells go haywire because they think there is an irritation in their environment.

Well done prostaglandins!

Likewise goes for leukotrienes; their job is inflammation regulation through immune response coordination towards postinfection recovery efforts [1].

You know what else works like magic against allergies and difficulty breathing right?

Exactly! Aromatherapy!

…Just kidding please don’t rely solely on essential oils over professional medical advice people eyeballs organized coughers

However, some would also speculate whether singing louder makes one internally happier thus reducing endogenous stress induced bronchospasm therefore indirectly solves any respiratory challenges minor annoyances aside [2].

WHY WOULD YOU NEED IT?

So back to reality shall we say no pun intended anymore.
There can be multiple reasons why someone might need montelukast listed below:

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness whose symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing and cough. An asthma attack can be triggered by various factors – pollen grains, dust mites, pet dander or mold spores. Singulair works by blocking leukotrienes – molecules that play a key role in the inflammation process of the airways in asthmatic patients.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES

The most common types of seasonal allergies trigger flu-like symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, headache and itchy eyes. As mentioned earlier, montelukast blocks leukotrienes from causing an inflammatory reaction to such allergens hence providing relief [3].

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Say you’re one step ahead with your exercise regime only for your lungs to say “nah fam do better?” – EIB might just be responsible.
For some people who suffer from respiratory issues these everyday activities may no longer be possible without taking a toll on their breathing; when there isn’t enough oxygen getting inside our body systems can shut down leading to fatal periods of time.
Thankfully singulair offers preventive measures against airway constriction during physical activity whether its running on rocky hills or laughing at James Corden’s carpool karaoke [4].

IS PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR SINGULAIR?

Yes. If you don’t get one, then perhaps John Cena knows where they are…

CLEARS THROAT AND APOLOGETICALLY WHISPERS:

Sorry I heard his music come up someone had to force me out.

Oh speaking of prescriptions though…

Fun fact: The term prescription comes from Latin expression originating as praescriptio which meant ‘a writing beforehand’. Presumably given how historians did not have text-to-speech functionalities back then!

And unless your ancestors lived under rocks and usually trusted cuckoo quacks who’d sell you a magic potion for a goat; they’d write up notes with the right formulations to treat ailments that were specific to their client’s diagnosis.
Fast forward multiple ages and bureaucracies later things have obviously gotten more advanced!
A prescription is now legally required by every state in America due to the risks presented by certain medication types.
Gone are those merry-go-lucky-miracle-cough syrup days where parents would shake some robitussin on your pancakes and let it work its mystic wintergreen flavored wonders.

Nowadays doctors are concerned about medical malpractice lawsuits while many potential drugs can easily cause dependence, cordial interferences or grave side effects.

Still unsure if you need Singulair? Ask away:

I HAVE ASTHMA BUT MY SYMPTOMS ARE ONLY OCCASIONAL – DO I NEED SINGULAIR?

If asthma has been diagnosed by healthcare professionals, chances are that at least one trigger exists such as respiratory irritants / environmental pollutants. If it only occurs occasionally especially seasonally then likely Singulair usage may be recommended instead of quick relief episodes [5].

Perhaps there’s an ice cream truck outside too eeeee!

HOW TO GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR SINGULAIR

In order to obtain a prescription for montelukast, you’ll need to see trained medical physicians like ENTs, primary care physicians or allergists (just beware any sneezes within 10 feet from them). They will evaluate your symptoms before deciding whether this medicine would help alleviate them. Our friendly cougher across the street got his just through teledoc! Did we mention how wonderful technology can be.

Other inquiries include but aren’t limited &#@$:

  • Does Singulair lead to tolerance / addiction?
  • Will patients under 6 years old require different dosages?
  • Any possible negative interaction with Antihistamines?

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Before diving head first into Singulair, it’s good to know that even the most promising medications come with their share of potential side effects. Bear in mind though that just like a moderate level on candy crush doesn’t always equate winning yet can create challenges; each individual may experience symptoms differently.

COMMON SIDE-EFFECTS

Some common side effects include:
– Stomach upset,
– Headache
– Dry mouth
…Though not necessarily nauseatorily all at once so losing three rounds of UNO because Greg refuses to play by proper rules is fortunately not associated.

MORE SERIOUS SIDE-EFFECTS

There are more serious risks too which some users have experienced after taking Singulair:
– allergic reaction such as rash and hives (sort of like your skin shouting out)
– increased risk behavior alterations especially suicidal thoughts or actions.
Obviously for patients concerned about carrying out certain activities including driving or operating machinery while affected by drug use should take measures before Montelukast usage [6]. However if you do end up gambling all your savings away, Singulair probably wasn’t solely responsible.

SHOULD YOU TAKE SINGULAIR?

Choosing whether to take any medication requires an honest conversation between you and your doctor as well as assessing different factors / risks involved per symptom severity.

That being said here are possible reasons why one would choose singulair after getting prescribed:

  1. Fever? Check.
  2. Sneezing left,right center? Absolutely.
  3. Congestion setting up base camp around nose area? Yuppers.
  4. Cough rougher than sandpaper amidst Corona contagious ambiance? Correctamundo!

Lemme tell ya optimists really missed out describing coughs as “ocean breeze”-like didn’t they.

But enough jokes-the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference based off informed discussions with medical professionals who know what medications can help improve quality of life.

So give it a thought! Sometimes the right prescription for the body is all that’s neccessary to turn those frowns upside down!

Bon chance, mon ami!

References

[1] Pamok S., Albarqoni W.M. and Qandil A.A. (2018). Medical Biochemistry Analytical Methods Applied by Medics and Clinicians: From Laboratory to Diagnose. Journal of Advanced Science and Engineering Research.

[2] Weitzberg E, Ahlstedt M, Lundberg JM (November 1999). “Onions–a promising anti-asthmatic substance”. Br J Clin Pharmacol

[3] Drugs.com Health Center: Singulair [Internet]. New York: MediResource Inc.; c2021 [cited 28 March 2020]. Available from https://www.drugs.com/singulair.html.

[4] Bousquet J, Easton PA, Gaudano E et al. (May 2006 ). “Rationale for using antileukotrienes in asthma management”. International Archives of Allergy Immunology

[5] Calhoun WJ., Ameredes BT,, King T.S., Icitovic N., Bleecker ER , Castro M.Jr.
et al.Clinical Practice Guidelines from be National Asthma Education Prevention Program regarding useof long-term control therapy for moderate persistent asthma in persons five years and older(nih publication no.’07–4051)

[6] FDA Drug Safety Communication : FDA review finds no significant increase in risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events with montelukast (Singulair) compared to placebo
Date Issued : March 4th By Food And Drug Administration;Covers Use For Asthma Or Allergic Rhinitis In Adults And Children

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