pulmicort and Mental-Disorders

Combination inhaled asthma medications containing corticosteroids and long-acting beta-adrenergic (LABA) agents are generally well tolerated, although a small minority of children receiving them may develop side-effects. Herein is reported a case of a 9-year-old boy who developed insomnia, pressured speech, agitation, and suicidal ideation within the 1st month after initiating formoterol + budesonide. He had not received oral glucocorticoids for >90 days. All symptoms resolved within 48 hr upon discontinuing formoterol while continuing budesonide. To our knowledge, this is the first report of childhood suicidal ideation strongly associated with use of a combination inhaled corticosteroid/LABA.

Topics: Asthma; Bronchodilator Agents; Budesonide; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethanolamines; Formoterol Fumarate; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Thinking