Lariam

Description

Lariam tablets contain mefloquine 250mg, an antimalarial used to prevent malaria in travellers going to areas where the parasite resists other medicines, and sometimes to treat it. For prevention an adult takes one tablet once a week, on the same day each week, with food and a full glass of water, starting well before travel where possible, continuing weekly throughout the stay, and continuing for four weeks after leaving.

Starting early allows time to see whether the medicine suits you. Mefloquine can cause neuropsychiatric effects including vivid dreams, sleep disturbance, anxiety, low mood, confusion and, rarely, psychosis or seizures, and some effects have persisted after stopping. Stop the tablets and seek medical advice if these occur, so an alternative can be arranged.

It is not suitable if you have or have had depression, anxiety disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia or seizures. Bite avoidance is still needed, and any fever during or after travel needs urgent assessment.

• Antimalarial containing mefloquine 250mg, taken once a week
• For malaria prevention in travellers, and sometimes for treatment
• Taken on the same day each week, with food and a full glass of water
• Continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area
• Can cause neuropsychiatric effects; stop and seek advice if they occur
• Not suitable with a history of depression, psychosis or seizures