dmv wrote:
] ] The drug we wrote about is called Lariam, or mefloquine.
] ] It was invented by the U.S. Army in the 1970s. It's great
] ] for preventing malaria, but it has some minor drawbacks,
] ] like causing psychosis, suicidal thoughts, depression and
] ] paranoia, which have been reported to last "long after"
] ] taking the pills, according to the FDA. There is some
] ] evidence that it may permanently damage the brain stem of
] ] some people who take it, though the drug manufacturer,
] ] Roche Pharmaceuticals, says it is safe and effective.
] ] Roche also says there is no credible scientific evidence
] ] showing that if you take Lariam you might do something
] ] crazy like kill yourself or somebody else.

I was gonna take this stuff, till I learned that I am in the high risk group for going nuts... since I have before. Fortunately, I'm in an area that has only low levels of endemic non-chloroquine resistant malaria. So, I only have to take two pills a week, who's only side effect for most people are some GI issues while you adjust.

Do not take Larium, even if you are going to a chloroquine resistant area. Take the combo pill of chloroquine/another chemical daily (forget which one), or doxycycline daily if you aren't going to be there too long. Larium is just not worth the convenience, no matter how shitty the malaria is where you are.

Another tip: wait till you GET there to buy most of your malaria meds. They're VERY cheap, safe and effective. DEET does not work, malarial mosquitos LAUGH at it, but use it anyway if you're in a high risk season. It probably helps some small percent undetectable by me. If you're really worried, have your clothign impregnated with whatever chemical they use for that. This is supposed to be highly effective.

In my experience, long sleeves don't help, neither do long pants. The bastards get your ankles and wrists.

MMmmm... okay, there's my malaria rant.

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