Reviewer: 19-24 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)

Comment:
I’m of African (sub Saharan) descent and had malaria couple of times so I’ve tried various medication for cure and for prevention. I believe that I have a very strong and intellectual mind and have never had any brain related dysfunctions nor have I witnessed/been aware of any, along my family lineage. This was the first time that I took mefloquine. I took mefloquine 250mg once a week for two week ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I’m of African (sub Saharan) descent and had malaria couple of times so I’ve tried various medication for cure and for prevention. I believe that I have a very strong and intellectual mind and have never had any brain related dysfunctions nor have I witnessed/been aware of any, along my family lineage. This was the first time that I took mefloquine. I took mefloquine 250mg once a week for two weeks (before stopping)to prevent malaria as I was travelling to a malaria prone region. The first week was okay, I didn’t feel any different. After the second pill (subsequent week) I felt depressed 12 hours later. I rarely feel depressed and this was a first. At 24 hours after taking the pill, (peak concentration, in my body I suspect) I felt very restless and wanted to immediately go home (which was impossible because I was 17 hours from home). I suddenly felt like I was having a panic attack and couldn’t stand being next to anyone, I couldn’t trust or stand anyone (not even my girlfriend). I hid in the washroom and looked up symptoms of panic attacks ( never had one ) and it met all the criteria. My heart was racing, I felt like I needed to use the washroom all the time. I had suicidal thoughts because I felt like there was no point to life. I had thoughts of what if my closest family member died? These led to worse thoughts. I later fell asleep (after explaining what was going on) and had hallucinations. At 36hours I wanted to be alone but I wanted company, kept alternating between these two thoughts. I then realized that it was this drug that was messing up with my mind. I looked it up and saw the horrible side effects it had. But I could now monitor my thoughts and how the side effects were decreasing. At 48 hours I felt normal and could trust people again. Now that is my experience with the drug. I want to state that as a Christian I prayed a lot and took communion and it helped me know that I will make it through and that God was with me throughout.
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Reviewer: 25-34 Male on Treatment for 6 months to less than 1 year (Patient)

Comment:
Took the medication for 9 months while deployed to Afghanistan. Since starting I have had the worst and most vivid nightmares of my life. During one such nightmare attacked someone in the room with me. I have also been diagnosed with depression, a possible result from this medication. Despite being off it for several months the problems still persist.

Comment:
Took the medication for 9 months while deployed to Afghanistan. Since starting I have had the worst and most vivid nightmares of my life. During one such nightmare attacked someone in the room with me. I have also been diagnosed with depression, a possible result from this medication. Despite being off it for several months the problems still persist.
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Reviewer: KingoftheTeam, 45-54 Male on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
Not sure if I was ever exposed to Malaria but frequented areas that required preventive measures. Only side effects eperienced was diarrhea and strange dreams.

Comment:
Not sure if I was ever exposed to Malaria but frequented areas that required preventive measures. Only side effects eperienced was diarrhea and strange dreams.
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Reviewer: steve, 19-24 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)

Comment:
being stationed oversees, it was necessecary for us to be on this. i took the drug for 1 week, did not make it to the second dosage. i had a siezure a couple days after taking my first dosage.

Comment:
being stationed oversees, it was necessecary for us to be on this. i took the drug for 1 week, did not make it to the second dosage. i had a siezure a couple days after taking my first dosage.
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Reviewer: Desert Fighter, 35-44 Male on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
Was prescribed this medication for prophylaxis treatment. Was on it for almost 3 months. First 3 - 4 weeks I experienced vivid but not overly troubleing dreams. By 4th week I became very agressive and had difficulty sleeping. After two months began to experience anxiety and paranoia (thought co workers were "out to get me"). At 9 weeks I experienced "night terrors" the night ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
Was prescribed this medication for prophylaxis treatment. Was on it for almost 3 months. First 3 - 4 weeks I experienced vivid but not overly troubleing dreams. By 4th week I became very agressive and had difficulty sleeping. After two months began to experience anxiety and paranoia (thought co workers were "out to get me"). At 9 weeks I experienced "night terrors" the night I took my dose. Anxiety became worse and I started to feel alternating anger and depression. The day of my last dose I felt like I was shot with methadrine for the entire day. I finally realized the symptoms were worst on days I took this medicine. I did not realize how badly this drug was effecting my disposition and behavior. After the last dose I sought out medical treatment and was switched to doxycycline and given ambien to aid in sleeping over the next week. Have people around you who are aware of possible side effects if you are using this medication.
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