Also have her bring a sample of all of the meds she is taking back with her.
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.
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.
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
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.
From Ask A Patient website, it appears depression is not uncommon. Here’s the results
http://www.askapatient.com/comparedrugs.asp?class=ANTIMALARIALS
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.
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
Watch her for 6 months. Chloroqine has those side effects.
Hydrotetracicline made me sun sensitive for a week after use .
My experience is this...
They tell you to take Chloroquine with a full stomach - but they should really tell you TO BE SURE TO TAKE IT WITH A FULL STOMACH!!!
I took one without eating once....... just once.
After that I could hardly take them at all - they made me SO SICK.
Take her to a specialized facility such as a university medical center. Have all of her medical and travel history available for the doctors.
If after a month you aren't confident the university doctors are on the right path, take her to Mayo Clinic. You may be pleasantly surprized that the bill at Mayo turns out to be less what your local doctor would charge.