Table of Contents
How common are mefloquine side effects?
Among subjects who received mefloquine for prophylaxis of malaria, the most frequently observed adverse experience was vomiting (3%). Dizziness, syncope, extrasystoles and other complaints affecting less than 1% were also reported.
Can mefloquine cause psychosis?
Severe psychiatric side effects due to mefloquine intoxication are well documented, including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, persecutory delusions, dissociative psychosis, and anterograde amnesia. Exposure to the drug has been associated with acts of violence and suicide.
Can malaria make you crazy?
Early reports had described dreamlike states [7], anterograde amnesia, difficulties with concentration, disorientation, and forgetfulness [8], confusional psychosis, dementia, “melancholia”, and mania [9] emerging in patients recovering from severe malaria.
Why was mefloquine banned?
In 2013, the US Army banned mefloquine from use by its special forces such as the Green Berets. In autumn 2016, the UK military followed suit with their Australian peers after a parliamentary inquiry into the matter revealed that it can cause permanent side effects and brain damage.
Does malaria affect the brain?
Malaria deaths are usually related to one or more serious complications, including: Cerebral malaria. If parasite-filled blood cells block small blood vessels to your brain (cerebral malaria), swelling of your brain or brain damage may occur. Cerebral malaria may cause seizures and coma.
Can malaria affect you years later?
Two types (species) of parasites, Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale, have liver stages and can remain in the body for years without causing sickness. If not treated, these liver stages may reactivate and cause malaria attacks (“relapses”) after months or years without symptoms.
Does malaria cause disability?
Falciparum malaria is a leading cause of ill health, neuro-disability and death in tropical countries.
Do the side effects of mefloquine go away?
Some side effects of mefloquine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
What are the most common illnesses associated with mefloquine use?
The most common illnesses associated with mefloquine use are neurological. A night terror is an episode that’s experienced while a person is sleeping. This episode can exhibit screaming, flailing, sleepwalking, or other intense fear.
How often should I take mefloquine?
Both adults and children should take one dose of mefloquine per week starting at least 2 weeks before traveling to the area where malaria transmission occurs. They should take one dose per week while there, and for 4 consecutive weeks after leaving.