I started my Malaria pills. I decided to go on the weekly pill because its a lot easier than daily and temporary weekly medications are easier to remember if you pick a memorable day such as ‘Malaria Monday’. Another thing about mefloquine (Lariam) is that it makes me feel really good – kind of like a euphoria and it lasts a couple hours. That is a normal side effect for me, I have taken this type of Malaria pill the last two times I have gone so it works for me and doesn’t have any negative side effects, like the ones listed below!
Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an antimalarial agent used to treat or prevent malaria. Lariam is available in generic form. Common side effects of Lariam include:
- stomach upset,
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- diarrhea,
- fever,
- hair loss,
- ringing in the ears,
- dizziness,
- spinning sensation (vertigo),
- loss of balance,
- drowsiness,
- headache,
- insomnia,
- strange dreams,
- cough,
- muscle pain,
- weakness,
- itching, or
- lightheadedness.
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Lariam including:
- loss of coordination,
- numbness and tingling of hands or feet,
- vision changes,
- unusual tiredness,
- persistent nausea or vomiting,
- dark urine, or
- yellowing skin or eyes.
For treatment of mild to moderate malaria in adults, five tablets (1250 mg) of Lariam are given as a single oral dose. To prevent malaria, prophylaxisshould begin 1 week before arrival in an endemic area, and then one 250 mg Lariam tablet once weekly. Pediatric dose is determined by the child’s weight. Lariam may interact with blood thinners, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, tetracycline, or metoclopramide. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. Lariam should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.