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Lariam

An anti-malarial drug widely used by military personnel, Peace Corps volunteers, and international travelers, and sold under the brand name Lariam now carries a warning about its possible link to suicidal behavior. The main consumers of Lariam are troops and Peace Corps workers, with more than 14,000 doses of Lariam administered by the Department of Defense this year alone. Concerns over possibly lethal psychiatric side effects of Lariam have increased as reports of soldiers committing suicide during or after deployment in the Middle East continue to surface.

Lariam has been prescribed to more than 22 million people worldwide since 1985. Originally developed by the military, Lariam was later licensed to drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche, but was first tested and used primarily among the military. It is widely prescribed for the prevention of malaria, one of the world's most lethal infectious diseases. In addition to Lariam, there are other drugs to prevent malaria, including Malarone, and an antibiotic called doxycycline, both of which are far less likely to cause the side effects reported with the use of Lariam.

During a two month investigation, United Press International (an international newswire service) uncovered a number of facts about Lariam that seem to prove that manufacturers had some idea that there was a link between the use of Lariam and psychological problems relating to suicide:

A 1994 Roche safety report notes that because Lariam can cause depression and depression can lead to suicide, "a causal link to Lariam can in theory not be ruled out."

The FDA's files include reports over the past four years of 11 suicides, 12 suicide attempts, 41 cases of thinking about suicide and 144 cases of depression among Lariam users.

Thousands of pages of internal Roche documents obtained by UPI over a decade track increasing reports of suicides, suicidal behavior and other mental problems reported by users of Lariam

Statistical analysis of the FDA data shows that individuals who use Lariam are five times more likely to report mental problems that could lead to suicide than users of doxycycline.

This increased risk of problems associated with Lariam versus drugs such as doxycycline has become a focal point for concerned individuals. As the reports of Lariam-associated suicides continue to surface, more research is being conducted into the possible links between Lariam use and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered suicidal thoughts or tendencies, or has otherwise been harmed by the use of Lariam, you need to contact an attorney. Lawyers who are familiar with the history and implications of Lariam use can help you to understand your rights, and to secure a future for yourselves and your loved ones.

For more information on Lariam, contact us.

More Lariam Resources

Lariam - Mefloquine hydrochloride. Provides information to help reduce the risk and spread of malaria. Indications and uses, side effects, and safety information.

Lariam (mefloquine) Info - Info on the anti-malarial drug Lariam (mefloquine), posted by a research scientist. Included on this site: an extensive medical research and case study bibliography, bibliography of media coverage, and how to contact the many Lariam Action Groups worldwide.

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