Vanity - Have any FReepers had side effects with Malarial Meds?

none | July 2, 2011 | urtax$@work

[urtax$@work]

Do any FReepers have experience with adverse side effects of malarial preventive meds ??

Our daughter is returning from a Central American country after arriving a week ago for a 6 week student exchange program. We received information thru their network that she was behaving abnormally, itching, depression, not bathing...

We thought it was a bad case of homesickness. Then my wife spoke with her and realized it was not our normally happy daughter. She said she was not homesick, but felt depressed, no laughing past 4 days, lost feeling in parts of her body, thoughts about harming herself.

The program is putting her on a plane back to us Sunday. We called the pharmacist and she confirmed that malarial meds can cause those side effects. She was prescribed Chloroquine .

Any FReeper experiences with this would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou - urtax$@work

[Blood of Tyrants]

Side effects list mental changes and that you should seek medical attention immediately. I have experienced drug induced bi-polar disorder personally.

[silverleaf]

yes there have been reports of suicidal behaviors attributed to malaria drugs (Lariam)

nothing conclusive and probably rare, but it’s 100% if its your kid

Here are a few links
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/11/AR2008101101516.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/2892203.stm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/science/2002-09-04-malaria_x.htm
Your daughter needs emergency evaluation right away!!

[MsLady]

I'd say it's the meds, especially if this is not normal behavior for her.

http://doublecheckmd.com/EffectsDetail.do?dname=chloroquine&sid=11971&eid=2629

Chloroquine may cause the following symptom that is related to depression/mood changes: Depression

Medical Source Information

Musculoskeletal side effects have included skeletal muscle myopathy or neuromyopathy leading to progressive weakness and atrophy of proximal muscle groups, which may be associated with mild sensory changes, tendon reflex depression, and abnormal nerve conduction. Myopathies and myasthenia-like syndromes are often reversible following discontinuation or dose reduction.

Psychiatric side effects have included neuropsychiatric changes including psychosis, mania, delirium, anxiety, personality changes, and depression. Symptoms may persist for several months. Numerous other psychiatric and neurologic disturbances have been reported, including the development of extrapyramidal rigidity, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Side Effects to Watch Watch closely for the following side effects and notify your physician immediately should any of these develop: Muscle pain, weakness or tenderness (signs of a serious condition called "myopathy" in which muscle damage occurs)

[Datom]

Also have her bring a sample of all of the meds she is taking back with her.

[LadyDoc]

the old fashioned meds can cause itching/allergy, but there is a new anti malarial medicine Lariam that has psychiatric side effects and could cause this:

link

[cgchief]

I took Chloroquine Phosphate for five years when we deployed three times a year to South America and never suffered any adverse effects. The only warning mentioned was that we couldn’t give blood for either five or ten years after we stopped taking the preventative.

[bwc2221]

Make sure she meets with doctors and works out the problem. I know someone who went to Africa, didn't take the follow-up pills, developed malaria and died. It's nothing to take lightly.

[RileyD, nwJ]

Traveled to South Africa a number of times in the mid to late 70's for USAF ARIA missions. We were all prescribed some form of quinine based tablets to prevent getting malaria.

Some of us became emotional 'bears' as noted by our spouses. When we notified the flight surgeon, he acknowledged that as a side effect and prescribed something else. Our wives were just as appreciative as we were.

[LadyDoc]

Chloroquin has been around for years ( I took it, but it won't work if you live in an areas with malaria resistance, and I got malaria taking it).

Allergies on it are common. From Wikipedia:

At the doses used for prevention of malaria, side-effects include gastrointestinal problems, stomach ache, itch, headache, nightmares and blurred vision. Chloroquine-induced itching is very common among black Africans (70%), but much less common in other races

[miss marmelstein]

My gosh, as always, I am amazed at the breadth of knowledge shown by freepers! I would have said rush the kid to a shrink but you put your finger on it in a flash. Impressive.

[catnipman]

Actually, the description of the mental problems you give matches perfectly with the mental problems CHLOROQUINE can cause for some people. Just because a side-effect might be uncommon, doesn't mean it can't happen to you are a loved one. Also, actual incident of side-effects is far more prevalent than the outcomes in the initial studies, which are designed primarily with obtaining FDA approval.

Here's a list of possible CHLOROQUINE side-effects:

SIDE EFFECTS: Blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bleaching of hair color, hair loss, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, personality changes, unusual thoughts/behavior, depression), ringing in the ears, darkening of skin/tissue inside the mouth, worsening of skin conditions (such as dermatitis, psoriasis), sun sensitivity.Some side effects only occur rarely with daily, long-term use (over weeks to years). Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very serious side effects occur: signs of a poorly pumping heart (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling legs/ankles), muscle weakness, severe vision changes (such as light flashes/streaks, difficulty reading, complete blindness), hearing loss.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of serious infection (such as high fever, severe chills, persistent sore throat), signs of decreased red blood cells (such as tiredness, pale lips/nails/skin, fast heartbeat/breathing with normal activity level), signs of liver disease (such as severe stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), easy bruising/bleeding.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Here's a couple of links to some of the relevant prescribing information:

http://www.rxlist.com/aralen-drug.htm

More good links:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16843615

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Chloroquine%20mental%20incidence&itool=QuerySuggestion

Personally, I'd say there's a much greater than 50% chance that this drug is causing your daughter's problems.

[Auntie Mame]

From Ask A Patient website, it appears depression is not uncommon. Here’s the results

http://www.askapatient.com/comparedrugs.asp?class=ANTIMALARIALS

[toothfairy86]

Reminds me of that episode of MASH years ago, where Klinger had a bad reaction to the malaria medicine. He was Lebanese.

[GOP Poet]

I am very sorry to hear this is happening with your daughter. I do have an additional concern that she is going to be 'alone' from the time she is being left at the airport and returning home to you. If she were 'herself' no problem, but given the circumstances around feeling depressed and suicidal, I am very concerned she is going to be in a strange airport (which is a bit disorienting) and on a plane for so long by herself given her situation. Especially as she is clearly in another emotional world that is not typical for her.

I hope she returns home soon and safely and please do ping us if you have a moment to let us know how she or what the issue is if you are able in time. I am curious as to the outcome for your lovely daughter.

I had sustained side effects of an anti malaria drug but it had to do with skin issues. In summary it basically turned out an auto immune response that may had been sitting await in my body and has never turned off since taking it 6 years ago. However it is nothing compared to the mental issues your sweet daughter is experiencing. May she get better soon.

[calex59]

Side effects of Chloroquine:

Appetite loss; clumsiness; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling of whirling motion; mild headache; nausea; stomach cramps; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Chloroquine:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; change in color or skin or inside of mouth; diarrhea; difficulty seeing and reading (words, letters, or parts of objects missing when reading); fever or sore throat; hair loss; hearing loss; mood changes; ringing in the ears; seizures; sensitivity to sunlight; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weakness; vision problems; weight loss.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems

Regardless of what some people on this thread are saying it seems that the drug in question has some very severe side effects for a small percentage of the people taking it. The above comes directly from a on line medical site and lists the various side effects, including the severe ones.

[topfile]

Has she been accidentally overdosing on Chloroquine?

Find out how much and report it to the Doctor. It can be toxic it appears.

In “Travelers’ Malaria” By Patricia Schlagenhauf-Lawlor
under Neuropsychiatric Harm it mentions a similar case. Do a search for: Neuropsychiatric(page 122) once you find the book here http://books.google.com

[Dick Tater]

LOL, could be where I heard it. I remember hearing that, but not where.

[Vendome]

Watch her for 6 months. Chloroqine has those side effects.

[Renegade]

Hydrotetracicline made me sun sensitive for a week after use .

[urtax$@work]

One pill ea. week i do believe. Started dosage per Rx one week before travel. She took her 3rd (and last) dosage Thurs. or Fri.