Reply #23: letter distributed to service members/families in 2004

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.pdhealth.mil/downloads/Mefloquine_SM_fs_4104.pdf

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE MEFLOQUINE?
You should not take mefloquine if you have clinical
depression or had clinical depression recently, have had
recent mental illness.

snip

WHAT ABOUT BEHAVIORAL SIDE EFFECTS?
Rare instances of suicide in patients taking mefloquine
have been reported but no studies have proven that
mefloquine use results in suicide, suicidal ideas, suicide
attempts, or any other violent behavior. Even so, if you have
any thoughts of suicide, consult a health care professional.
Other potential behavioral side effects may include anxiety,
paranoia (suspicion of everyone), depression, agitation,
restlessness, mood changes, panic attacks, forgetfulness,
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there),
aggression, and psychotic behavior (delusions or decreased
“reality testing”). Unusual side effects that can impair reaction
time and thinking include nerve problems, confusion and
disorientation, convulsions, psychosis, nightmares, dizziness,
and loss of balance.
Serious side effects occur most often among those who
consume alcohol while taking mefloquine. Therefore, avoid
using alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
If you have any of these changes in behavior, go for a
medical evaluation immediately. Delay could put you or others
at risk.
Note that normal reactions to deployments and combat
stress may be similar to both the common and behavioral side
effects of mefloquine.



God forbid we interfere with Roche's profits.