Posted on Jan 9, 2017
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I keep seeing articles pop up about negative side effects from Mephaquin, an anti-malaria drug that was used in Iraq and AFG. Other than the freaky bad dreams, has anyone had other bad experiences or outcomes from this?
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Responses: 77
MSgt (Other / Not listed)
I was prescribed Primaquine. I took it for a few weeks, but stopped because of the nightmares. I kept taking Doxycycline though.
SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
After day 3 I had blisters all over my tongue
MAJ Matthew Arnold
After retirement, I did contract work in Africa for 10 years, training battalions for peacekeeping deployments. Because I actually preferred Mefloquine over doxy and other treatments, I took Mefloquine for 5 or 6 years until nobody would give it to me any more. However, now a few years later, it seems that it may be linked to developing neuropathy in my feet and legs. Seems that it may be linked to neurological problems. I wish I would have known that back then. Some days they burn so bad I just want to make it stop.
PO1 Michael Bruner
No, but I DID have a negative reaction to a polio vaccine back in '02.
SGT Motor Transport Operator
I have never gotten this drug but I can honestly say I have heard so many horror stories from battle buddies in my unit that have, and that shit is not no joke it messed them up for a while if not permanently in ways.
Sgt Angelo Hamm
Im getting 70% disability through the VA due to mefloquine toxicity. My brain chemistry is all screwed up. All sorts of mental issues now.
GySgt Counterintelligence/HUMINT Specialist
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Wow. Sorry for your issues. I’ve been trying to figure out what my problems were for the longest time. Is your rating based on Mental/Mefloquine toxicity alone? Or the total combination of all your issues? I’ve gotten all of my stuff documented, but since this is new territory for doctors, I get a lot of unsure responses.
Sgt Angelo Hamm
Sgt Angelo Hamm
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I think it is strictly for the mental issues now. I actually had to see a civilian shrink that the VA set up an appointment with so I wasn't anticipating much, but after going through my records and seeing when I started needing mental health help and then an interview, I got the decision about 2 months later. It was a total of 5 months since I applied
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GySgt Counterintelligence/HUMINT Specialist
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Thanks for the info. I just finished up my VA appointments. So I will have to wait until the regional office makes their decision based on my medical records. I think this particular ailment is gaining more and more traction now that there are more verified cases.
Sgt Angelo Hamm
Sgt Angelo Hamm
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The positive side of Things is that they do civilian referrals for these things and we all know they think we are crazy anyways so it works in our favor.GySgt (Join to see)
Sgt Angelo Hamm
Im 70% disabled through the VA for mental issues due to Mefloquine toxicity.
SFC Personnel  Sergeant
In the the Nam we took malaria pill every monday morning formation. By noon time latrines were full. Most guys got the runs never had any effect on me.
Capt Jennifer Parsons Kangas
They gave us anti-malaria pills for a deployment to Ecuador. I got horrific stomach pains. It was the dry season in Manta so I quit taking them. We all did.
Then one day, one of the airmen came into the office pale, shaking, and doubled over. He was in the fetal position on our couch. We called the flight doc. For a few days I was a little worried that maybe I made my decision in haste, especially after the DO said, "make sure you're taking the malaria pills." Then we found out the airmen in question just had a really bad case of the s****. I never took the pills again. I never contracted malaria either.
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I hope you never had what he had either!
GySgt Counterintelligence/HUMINT Specialist
Yes. I've taken it for about four or five deployments, and for extended periods of time. Last time was in 2013 over an 8 month period. I developed vertigo pretty bad. Became more emotional, lost my patience pretty easily , got easily angered, and have trouble recalling things/memory loss. I finally got seen for PTSD, and was told that while I may show some signs, they believe that my issues are not psychological and are indicating the symptoms are all due to the mefloquine I took. It's in my medical record, but there is no form of treatment being provided for long term care. I'm curious as to how the VA will deal with this.
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Funny, you just nailed the issue. Did your symptoms go away once you stoppped taking it?
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Damn auto correct. Gunny. Sorry bout that...
GySgt Counterintelligence/HUMINT Specialist
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Sorry for the delayed reply. No, symptoms are still present. It’s documented in my record as a drug allergy, but I’ve had numerous fellow Marines come up with the same/similar issues since being exposed to Mefloquine.

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