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Originally posted by Bobla45funny i've got 3 to choose from and that's the only one i've completely rulled out so far
Used to take Larium when going to West Africa. Lots, and lots, and lots, of gas......
Side-effects
Mefloquine may have severe and permanent adverse side effects. It is known to cause severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, birth defects, peripheral motor-sensory neuropathy,[3] vestibular (balance) damage and central nervous system problems.[4] Central nervous system events occur in up to 25% of people taking Lariam, such as dizziness, headache, insomnia, and vivid dreams.[5] A This American Life broadcast entitled "Contents Unknown" tells the story of an American who lost his memory while working in India as a result of mefloquine prophylaxis.
it's between doxycycline and malarone.
Depends where you're going, how long for and if the cost is an issue. With Malarone you only have to take it for a short duration, instead of an extra four weeks after your trip with the others, although it is more expensive. I don't like taking any malarial drugs for a long periods due to the side effects (several months) and so have in the past just taken treatment doses with me instead of prophylaxis (particularly if travelling in and out of malarial areas) - though obviously that carries it's own risks.
If going for a short period I'd probably take Malarone, but you should check the latest information regarding resistance. And everyone reacts differently to the drugs, so you may suffer side effects - what are you prepared to put up with?
Whatever you end up taking make sure you read the supporting information to ensure the efficacy of the drugs. Malarone for instance should be taken with fatty food to ensure its absorption, whilst - I think - doxy is the opposite.
Originally posted by trev33Took doxycycline (sp?) for a few months.
funny i've got 3 to choose from and that's the only one i've completely rulled out so far
Side-effects
Mefloquine may have severe and permanent adverse side effects. It is known to cause severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, birth defects, peripheral motor-sensory neuropathy,[3] vestibular (balance) dam ...[text shortened]... a as a result of mefloquine prophylaxis.
it's between doxycycline and malarone.
Side effects: Very good skin while on it, very BAD skin afterwards for a couple of months.
D
Originally posted by trev33Yes i took them the first time i went to China.
anyone taken any? if so which and did you have any side effects?
Get the expensive ones, they have little or no side effects (i can't remember their name, but i remember the tablet per X was a lot less than the other kind)..I saw a friend who used the other kind get quite paranoid and hyper on occassions.
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Originally posted by Marcusrwell, considering doxy is about 20p per tablet and malarone £2:20 per tab and lunch in india will be around £1, i'd say the cost would be an issue to most people, if only for the unanswered question of why should they pay more for something that does the same job?
Depends where you're going, how long for and if the cost is an issue. With Malarone you only have to take it for a short duration, instead of an extra four weeks after your trip with the others, although it is more expensive. I don't like taking any malarial drugs for a long periods due to the side effects (several months) and so have in the past just taken ...[text shortened]... be taken with fatty food to ensure its absorption, whilst - I think - doxy is the opposite.
i didn't bother with any maleria tabs for s. america, the only place i was in that was considered 'high risk' was during dry season when the mosquitos don't come out as much and i wasn't in any rural areas so took the risk. going to india for 5 1/2 months but will only be in a 'high risk' area (assam) for 3 weeks or so and again during dry season, will be outdoors in rural areas so going to take the anti-maleria tabs for those 3 weeks (and whatever lengh of time you're supposed to take them after leaving the area).
i've heard some people have side effects with both and ending up changing tabs so i guess it can be a bit of a lottery. think i'll get some doxy tabs now and take them for a few days to see if i have any bad side effects, at least then i can switch to malarone before i leave. don't think you can get malarone in india anyway.
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Originally posted by huckleberryhoundthat sounds like mefloquine, i won't be taking it.
Yes i took them the first time i went to China.
Get the expensive ones, they have little or no side effects (i can't remember their name, but i remember the tablet per X was a lot less than the other kind)..I saw a friend who used the other kind get quite paranoid and hyper on occassions.
Originally posted by trev33You already have all that anyway don't you?
Side-effects
Mefloquine may have severe and permanent adverse side effects. It is known to cause severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, birth defects, peripheral motor-sensory neuropathy,[3] vestibular (balance) damage and central nervous system problems.[4] Central nervous system events occur in up to ...[text shortened]... an who lost his memory while working in India as a result of mefloquine prophylaxis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria
When properly treated, someone with malaria can expect a complete recovery.[95]
Counterfeit drugs
Sophisticated counterfeits have been found in several Asian countries such as Cambodia,[96] China,[97] Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and are an important cause of avoidable death in those countries.[98] WHO have said that studies indicate that up to 40% of artesunate based malaria medications are counterfeit, especially in the Greater Mekong region and have established a rapid alert system to enable information about counterfeit drugs to be rapidly reported to the relevant authorities in participating countries.[99] There is no reliable way for doctors or lay people to detect counterfeit drugs without help from a laboratory. Companies are attempting to combat the persistence of counterfeit drugs by using new technology to provide security from source to distribution.