Hi TimA,
You might find the following updated article from my "Ask RSD" column in a past issue of
Rodale's Scuba Diving to be informative:
"Lariam (mefloquine) is a very effective drug in preventing and treating malaria, but can give rise to unwanted side effects, including vivid and disquieting dreams, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, confusion and forgetfulness.
The US package insert directs that "...caution should be exercised with regard to driving, piloting an airplane, and operating machinery as dizziness, a disturbed sense of balance, neurological or psychiatric reaction have been reported during and following the use of Lariam," and states that "dizziness, sensory & motor abnormalities, headache and fatigue have been recorded in patient's taking the drug." These cautions are consistent with suggestions by some in the medical and dive communities that mefloquine may produce side effects which mimic DCS.
Interestingly, the German package insert adds it should not be used for "certain activities which have a need for full attention and undisturbed motor activity," with a specific direction that pilots should not use Lariam for the prevention of malaria during their work.
Of most concern to the diver are the positions of some medical professionals that the drug simply should not be taken for malaria prophylaxis by those who are actively diving. These sources include
Rodale's Diving Doc," Dr. Samuel Shelanski, and the German Society for Tropical Diseases. This later group, whose policies can be used as a basis for professional and legal action in cases of harm resulting from a physician's failure to follow them, states that people with a special need for three-dimensional orientation, for example pilots, scuba divers and others, should not take mefloquine as prophylaxis. Similar advice regarding scuba diving is provided by Dr Bridget Farham, B.Sc (hons), Ph.D, MB.ChB., an expert on tropical medicines, and appears in the package insert accompanying mefloquine dispensed in South Africa.
The above information suggests it would be prudent to take this drug only after detailed discussion with a physician who is fully aware of its current status, and to closely monitor for any adverse reaction.
The FDA has come out with the following warning regarding mefloquine:
FDA Creates Medication Guide for Lariam
and
This Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 297 No. 20, May 23/30, 2007), section on Lariam (mefloquine)
JAMA -- This Week in JAMA, May 23/30, 2007, 297 (20): 2167: Controversies and Misconceptions in Malaria Chemoprophylaxis for Travelers
Lin H. Chen, MD; Mary E. Wilson, MD; Patricia Schlagenhauf, PhD
JAMA. 2007;297:2251-2263.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
