Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Friday, March 28, 2008 12:38 PM
posted by Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D.

Suicide Risk with Singulair

In the Friday, March 28th issues of MedPage and Physician's First Watch the alert regarding suicide risk and treatment with Singulair was published. The FDA has undertaken a study of Singulair (montelukast) a popular asthma and allergy drug to examine the association between the drug and behavior and mood changes, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors. The FDA indicated that the study may take months, but that the initiation of the study does not mean that there is a causal relationship between the drug and increased suicide risk. The manufacturer has voluntarily added risks of depression, tremor, suicidality and anxiety to the product information sheets.

The risk factors are important considerations for clinicians to be be aware of, while we wait for the FDA to complete their study.
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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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