Malaria kills millions of men, women and children each year and represents one of the greatest health threats the world has ever known. While the disease is curable if diagnosed and treated promptly, delays in receiving treatment are far from uncommon.; Health agencies recommend avoiding mosquito bites and taking effective anti-malarial medication for all visitors to regions where malaria is endemic (including most tropical areas of the world). In addition to travelers, military and foreign aid personnel deployed in high-risk regions are routinely provided with anti-malarial medication, most of which are taken orally
As as result of several high-profile cases, concerns have been raised over the health risks posed by one of the most widely-used anti-malarial medication. Lariam (generic name mefloquine) was first developed in the 1970s by the U.S. military as synthetic analogue to quinine. As the drug of choice in treating chloroquine-resistant malaria and as an oral preventive agent, Lariam remains widely prescribed despite questions over possible toxicity.
In addition to common side-effects such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach problems, more worrisome symptoms have been reported including neuropsychiatric complications. Cases of psychotic behaviour, depression, suicide, paranoia, and aggression have been reported, including incidents of domestic violence and a recent suicide involving a US serviceman that have been linked to Lariam use. While the US Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged the possibility of dangerous side effects with Lariam, they maintain that the "benefits far outweigh its risks". Other countries, including Canada, have issued health advisories concerning Lariam and Hoffman-La Roche has provided warning letters to travel doctors and pharmacists concerning potential side-effects.
These precautions are not enough for some US-based activists who have organized an information and support service to warn about Lariam's dangers. Their network has links to similar activist groups across the world.
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