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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sl on April 26, 2003, at 13:09:09
Hi everyone!
I'm planning a trip to central america in about 6 weeks, and I should take an anti-malarial.
For those of you who don't know/remember me, I've had major depression for many years, currently taking Wellbutrin (IR), 150mg 2xday, plus 50mg Trazodone at bedtime for sleep.
That's the kicker. If you have a history of mental illness, you're strongly advised not to take certan anti-malarials. But somehow I can't find a webpage that compares the options.
Has anyone been able to choose a safe antimalarial drug? Doxicycline is safe, but causes stomach issues and sun sensitivity, and I won't necessarily have the option to stay out of the sun so I'm leaving that for a last-ditch choice, if nothing else works out.
Thanks!
sl
Posted by Viridis on April 26, 2003, at 17:44:47
In reply to safe anti-malarial?, posted by sl on April 26, 2003, at 13:09:09
I'm in the same situation (will be in South America this summer) and definitely want to avoid Larium, the usual anti-malarial for areas where falciparum malaria is common. Larium is notorious for inducing mental problems (including psychosis), even in "normal" individuals. I'd also prefer not to use doxycycline, for the reasons you've mentioned. I've used chloroquine in past in parts of Africa where falciparum isn't present, but that's not an option here.
So, the drug that seems best is Malarone, a fairly new one that has a pretty benign side effect profile. It's expensive (and insurance rarely covers prophylaxis) but looks like the best option. Have you checked this one out? I'd be interested in opinions and experiences.
Posted by sl on April 27, 2003, at 16:06:27
In reply to Re: safe anti-malarial? » sl, posted by Viridis on April 26, 2003, at 17:44:47
Okay, I'll check it out. Most likely I won't be taking it unless my free-clinic can find a way to get me samples or free drugs.
I'm going in on Tuesday for something else, I'll find out then.sl
Posted by sl on April 27, 2003, at 16:22:30
In reply to Re: safe anti-malarial?, posted by sl on April 27, 2003, at 16:06:27
Well color me surprised!
I looked at the list of products made by Glaxo, thinking since I'm already on the assistance-program thru them it'd be easier, and it's there! So I might be able to get some help with that. :)sl
Posted by sl on April 28, 2003, at 11:34:07
In reply to Malarone--GlaxoSmithKline product!, posted by sl on April 27, 2003, at 16:22:30
YES! I can get it thru the assistance program, it'll be quick and easy: all I have to do is have my current advocate call in and add it. :)
which is cool cuz it's about $130 for 4 weeks (1 wk before, 2 wks there, 1 wk after).
I can't get my appointment with the travel-nurse til about a week before I leave, so I was nervous, but the customer-service rep said it's very quick and easy to add something since i'm already enrolled and active in the program. :)
Also getting immunizations against tetanus, typhoid, hep A & B.
sl
This is the end of the thread.
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