It is true what you list. But you don't list the entire story.
Lariam / Melfoquine has had some mental side effects. But the only problems that have been reported have been with patients with severe PTSD like soldiers returning from wars, etc.
My LLMD uses it a lot and has never had an issue with it if there is no history of mental / PTSD.
I'm not a doctor (disclaimer)
Posted by bryanzim (Member # 23622) on :
I too didn't want to take Lariam for the reasons that you specified. My LLMD used Coartem to successfully treat Babesia WA-1.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
The first time hubby took this med back in 2003 he was warned of the possible side effects. At that time he could not tolerate lariam as it made his depression/anxiety worse. So he stopped it.
Every med has side effects unfortunately.
Hubby thought he was allergic to mepron when he first tried lariam so he avoided mepron for 10 years. But that did not leave a lot of options for treating babesia. And yes, I think he tried every possible drug.
But in 2010 in combo with other babesia meds and herbs he was able to take a high dose of lariam for almost a year. At that time it was a very helpful med.
I think most people with long term chronic babesia can only beat it with multiple meds and herbs. Just one med or herb does not work for many people. And docs who will not prescribe meds because of the potential side effects can keep their patients from getting well.
There are docs who will not prescribe clindamycin and quinine and others who will not prescribe levaquin for example. Those were some of the most beneficial meds hubby took. But we had to change docs to get the quinine and clindamycin. And also to find someone willing to prescribe malarone -- hubby was not really allergic after all. It was a very severe herx reaction.
This is not medical advice, just my opinion based on hubby's experiences. Bea Seibert