Larium is prescribed to people who may be at risk of acquiring malaria, especially people who are traveling to areas where malaria is a risk (like members of the military). Larium is taken for one week before arrival to the infected area, as well as during the visit and for four weeks after. It is a once-per-week dose. Malaria kills approximately one million people each year. Larium is also prescribed to treat people with mild to moderate cases of malaria. However, Larium causes many side effects that make some people hesitant to take it.
What are some important things I should know about Larium?
Larium must be taken after a meal and with plenty of water. Larium can increase the symptoms of psychiatric adverse events, and has been linked to events during which some members of the military killed themselves and members of their families.
Larium is prescribed to people who may be at risk of acquiring malaria, especially people who are traveling to areas where malaria is a risk. Larium is also prescribed to patients who have mild to moderate malaria.
Larium should NOT be taken by anyone suffering from seizures, irregular heartbeats, epilepsy, anxiety attacks, anxiety related disorders, depression, schizophrenia or anyone with a history of psychosis. Larium is not for patients with life-threatening or serious cases of malaria.
Larium can cause more minor side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, vivid dreams, and sleep disturbances. More serious side effects and injuries include:
- paranoia
- suicide
- hallucinations
- anxiety
- depression
- tremor
- panic attack
- chest pain
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking in order to avoid drug interaction injuries
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of suicide, experience anxiety or panic attacks, have chest pain, notice a rash, have a fever, nausea, muscle weaknesses or cramps.
