Lariam is associated with severe neuropsychiatric effects that can persist for several years. After taking it during a tour in Africa, the singer Stromae explained that he suffered from hallucinations, anxiety attacks and suicidal thoughts.
“There is a before and an after Lariam®” declared Stromae in an interview at Marianne in 2017. Two years earlier, he had to take this drug to protect himself from the malariaduring a tour in Africa. “Whether I could go back and avoid taking Lariam®I would do it without hesitation” he then explained to the magazine. In question, the serious side effects that he denounces such as hallucinations, panic attacks and madness which would have led him to suicide without the support of his relatives. THE neuropsychiatric risks of Lariam® are documented and may persist several months to several years after the last administration of the treatment. The singer has canceled several concerts in March 2023 for health reasons without giving more information. How does Lariam work?®? In which cases to use it? Is it available or prohibited in France? What are the contraindications? What are the dangers of this drug?
What is Lariam?
It’s a medicine containing mefloquine which is an antimalarial (or antimalarial). Marketed in the form of tablets, it is administered orally. Its mode of action is based on the eradication of 4 types of active parasites responsible for malaria: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale.
What are the indications for Lariam?
Lariam® is mainly indicated as preventive treatment for malaria, to be taken 10 days before leaving on a trip in a risk area. Its use is made in last intention, when the other available drugs are contraindicated in the person or ineffective on the parasite due to a phenomenon of resistance. Before prescribing this medicine, the doctor must ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Lariam® can also be used as a cure for malaria when the disease has been contracted in an area where the parasite is resistant to chloroquine.
What are the side effects of Lariam?
The most frequently reported adverse effects with Lariam® are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and dizziness. They mainly appear at first of the treatment. Taking Lariam® can also induce mild allergic reactions such as rashes associated with itching or even serious reactions such as anaphylactic shock. She may also be responsible respiratory ailments (difficulty breathing, lung infection) and cardiovascular disorders manifested by variations in heart rate, palpitations, episodes of hypotension or hypertension. In addition, visual disturbances (blurred vision, cataract, retinal damage), muscle damage (cramps, muscle weakness), skin burning and tingling can occur. The appearance of one of these symptoms should lead to consulting a doctor as soon as possible. Likewise, severe neuropsychiatric effects have been reported in people taking this treatment.
What are the neuropsychiatric side effects of Lariam?
The most common neuropsychiatric side effects are:
Cases of suicide have been reported after taking this medication.
- anxiety and depression
- headaches
- dizziness
- abnormal dreams and nightmares
In addition, other effects such as agitation, mental confusion, disturbed attention, panic attacks, mood swings and aggressiveness can occur. Moreover, balance and gait disorders, difficulty speaking, memory loss, significant fatigue and drowsiness were observed. Other more serious effects are possible such as impaired brain function (encephalopathy), seizures, hallucinations, psychoses, paranoia, of the suicidal thoughts and behaviors of self-endangerment. If neuropsychiatric effects occur, it is recommended tointerrupt treatment and seek medical attention promptly. These neuropsychiatric risks may persist several months to several years after the last administration of the treatment.
What are the dangers of Lariam?
Lariam® exposes the person taking it to certain dangers.
► The neuropsychiatric risks may persist several months to several years after the last administration of the treatment.
► One persistent amnesia and cases of suicide have been reported after taking this medicine.
► Lariam® can cause heart trouble sometimes causing the death of the person in case of aggravation of symptoms. ► This medication increases the risk of accidents in people driving a vehicle, using machinery or performing an activity requiring close attention and good coordination of movements (eg scuba diving, mountaineering).
What are the contraindications?
Lariam® is contraindicated in the following cases:
- allergy to one of the components of the drug
- presence or history of psychiatric disorders, presence or history of epilepsy (unless absolutely necessary)
- severe liver failure
- in case of taking valproic acid or valpromide (treatment of epilepsy or bipolar disorder)
This medication is not contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Administration can be considered in the absence of therapeutic alternatives. In this case, the benefit/risk balance will be assessed by the doctor.
Is Lariam banned in France?
Lariam® is always available In France on medical prescription. However, this drug is the subject of controversy because of the serious side effects it can cause many years after administration.
Is it reimbursed in France?
Except for certain residents of Guyana who have to travel to a risk area, Lariam® is not reimbursed by health insurance. Depending on the pharmacies, the price varies from 30 to 40 € for a box of 8 tablets, i.e. 8 weeks of treatment.
Sources:
– Public drug database
– Lariam safety profile in malaria chemoprophylaxis, ANSM, 2021.