malaria
 

Haai,

I'm going to drive through Africa for a year and I'm still doubting about taking Lariam (or something else) during that year or not. I hear pro's and con's and cannot decide.

What do you recommend?

Marianne

Hello Marianne!

Just started taking Larium about two weeks ago and apart from the first day I do not have really any physotic side effects, yet!
My brother had some really bad effects weeks into taking larium so will have to see on the long term.

Groet'n
Meindert

Hello,

Since you'll need to see a doctor to get a prescription anyway, you should discuss this with one and decide on the most appropriate medication, Lariam or otherwise. For what it's worth, I've been taking Lariam for over a month without *any* detectable side effects, other than a lighter wallet. The incidence of serious side-effects is reported to be less than one percent, and the majority of people suffering side-effects had pre-existing psychological problems, according to my doctor.

James.

Marianne,
To quote some literature I got from a clinic in South Africa:"All medicines have some side effects.........MIld nausea, occasional vomiting or loose stools are not adequate reasons for stopping the antimalarial drug. The seriousness of malaria warrants tolerating temporary side effects."
Remember that without some sort of prophylactic, certain strains of malaria can kill within 24 hours!

Do a bit more research into the various types of prophylactics out there (there are generics of larium which are reputed to have less side effects).
I have found that the medical community in Africa is a lot more serious about the deadliness of malaria than they are in Europe and as a result know more about the various preventions and cures available.
There is a company called Netcare, in SOuth Africa www.travelclinic.co.za who could give you some good advise.

Good Luck with your decision

Geoff

Well, you may be lucky or not.
Some years ago, I was in ZA with a few friends.
They didn't take their Paludrine/Lariam, I did.
I was only bitten by one single moskito during that trip, developed the first signs of Malaria a week later (slightly raised temperature, etc., with went back to normal after three days) and two months after returning home got a really bad outbreak of Malaria.
What I want to say is: You sohould take it, but don't rely on it. You may still get Malaria, but a at least the odds are on your side.