Anti-Malarial Drugs for Vacation - Any Experiences?

[Something Fishy]

There's so much conflicting information online... anyone mind sharing their experiences, especially regarding side affects? Mefloquine, Doxycycline, Malarone...

Of course the obvious answer is to discuss it with my doctor, but he likely has less experience with this subject than I do and will end up Googling it himself.

Or if someone has the name of a doc who knows his way around this in the NY area, feel free to share.

[as2]

There's so much conflicting information online... anyone mind sharing their experiences, especially regarding side affects? Mefloquine, Doxycycline, Malarone...

Of course the obvious answer is to discuss it with my doctor, but he likely has less experience with this subject than I do and will end up Googling it himself.

Or if someone has the name of a doc who knows his way around this in the NY area, feel free to share.

I took something a couple years back when I went to Africa, but don't recall which medication it was. I remember there being a few, some being more appropriate than others for just a vacation. It was discussed in the South Africa master thread a couple years back, when I get to a computer I can pull it up for you.

[Yaalili]

We took Malarone when we went to ZimZam, think you start taking it a week before till end of the trip. Didn't have any side effects.

[as2]

We took Malarone when we went to ZimZam, think you start taking it a week before till end of the trip. Didn't have any side effects.

Sounds like what I took. I think it's 10 days before, while there, and then 10 days after.

[Dan]

https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html

Malarone seems like the general way to go except during pregnancy.

[as2]

https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html

Malarone seems like the general way to go except during pregnancy.

Bh I wasn't pregnant at the time But on a serious note, most of them are not safe for long term use. When in Kruger, we asked around and some people said they just go without it. I went to a walk in clinic and it was actually covered under my insurance. The doctor was very informative. I'm not sure why the doctor needs to see you to prescribe medication for preventative purposes.

[Something Fishy]

We took Malarone when we went to ZimZam, think you start taking it a week before till end of the trip. Didn't have any side effects.

Thanks.

Bh I wasn't pregnant at the time But on a serious note, most of them are not safe for long term use. When in Kruger, we asked around and some people said they just go without it. I went to a walk in clinic and it was actually covered under my insurance. The doctor was very informative. I'm not sure why the doctor needs to see you to prescribe medication for preventative purposes.

I don't think he does, but it would be nice to get an informed opinion on the different options. But like I said, he has no experience here.

https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html

Malarone seems like the general way to go except during pregnancy.

That's what I'm thinking as well, except that Malarone isn't recommended for where I'm going:
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/images/map/honduras_3.14.16.jpg

ETA: Turns out that Malarone is the brand name for the first suggested med in that link. I read too fast...

[zow]

Malarone is generally the most effective and best well-tolerated.
CDC's website is generally very good and digestible.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

[shwarmabob]

we took Malarone a while back in Cambodia. No side effect.
PM me if you need doc info, I know a good one in Midtown

[Joe4007]

Malarone here as well (the generic actually) with no side effects BH.

You actually start taking it 1 or 2 days before entering the malaria area and continue daily during the stay and for 7 days after return.

[Something Fishy]

Seems like it's unanimous for Malarone then.

we took Malarone a while back in Cambodia. No side effect.
PM me if you need doc info, I know a good one in Midtown

Thanks, will do.

[Dawie]

Seems like it's unanimous for Malarone then.

Thanks, will do.

any doc will prescribe
i took malarone for Zim
no side effects

[jj1000]

What if the side-effect is that you don't remember any side-effects?

[Something Fishy]

What if the side-effect is that you don't remember any side-effects?

ALOL

Reminds me of this:

[as2]

What if the side-effect is that you don't remember any side-effects?

That was a henche-ish question.

[shwarmabob]

What if the side-effect is that you don't remember any side-effects?

You would know the side effects: earlier malaria drugs (Mefloquine/Lariam) had Drug-Induced Psychosis, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation on the menu as side effects

[as2]

You would know the side effects: earlier malaria drugs (Mefloquine/Lariam) had Drug-Induced Psychosis, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation on the menu as side effects

Now that's a pill I'd like to get my hands on.

[Something Fishy]

Got my Malarone today. Thanks guys.

[moish]

Great choice. Start taking 24 hours before and until 7 days after you return

[Something Fishy]

Data point: not covered by my insurance (United), but reimbursed by FSA.